More than 7,500 people gathered at Goodyear Civic Square for the 2025 West Valley Heart Walk, an event that blended community spirit, fitness, and life-saving education in support of the American Heart Association.
The walk brought together more than 75 companies and raised more than $310,000.
The walk, presented in partnership with Abrazo and Sun Health, aimed to raise awareness of heart disease and stroke while equipping residents with skills needed to respond in emergencies. Attendees participated in CPR demonstrations, explored health education displays, and joined either a 3-mile route or a shorter 1-mile “Survivor Miracle Mile.”
Aileen Carrasco, entertainment anchor and producer at Telemundo Arizona, kicked off the program by welcoming the crowd.
“This year we’re going to touch more hearts, move more feet, and raise more life-saving funds, and continue our Nation of Lifesavers movement,” Carrasco said.
Carrasco emphasized the urgency of bystander CPR training.
“Nine out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of the hospital die,” she said. “By turning a nation of bystanders into lifesavers, the American Heart Association is hoping to change that.”
For event chair Ruben Castro, CEO of Abrazo Scottsdale Campus, the mission is deeply personal. He said his mother’s experiences with heart disease inspired him to take on a leadership role.
Castro said those experiences shaped his understanding of how quickly emergencies unfold.
“We never know when something is going to happen,” he said. “Recent awareness and training to help intervene is super important. Being part of an event that educates the community is one way I can honor her and make a difference for others.”
He added that heart disease touches nearly every family and that the growth of the heart walk and the increased awareness will continue to save lives.
“This is my third time coming to the Heart Walk, and every year it seems like it grows more,” he said. “Most recently a close friend, just three weeks ago, had a heart attack. Because of heart research and the care provided, they were able to revive her, and she’s home recovering now.”
This year’s walk also spotlighted survivors, including 2-year-old Goldie, who was born with a severe congenital heart defect. Her mother, Caitlin, shared their journey on stage.
“She went through three open-heart surgeries in her first year of life,” Caitlin said. “Each step forward is a huge win, and seeing her thrive as a 2-year-old now brings so much joy to our hearts.”
Caitlin credited advancements in research and funding for her daughter’s survival.
“Many years ago, Goldie would have had a very slim chance of survival,” she said. “The advancements in research and funding are everything these children need.”
Throughout the morning, walkers rang bells in honor of survivors and those lost their lives to heart disease. Carrasco encouraged participants to reflect on why they were there.
“As I look over the crowd today, I know each and every one of you has a reason why you’re here,” she said. “Whether it’s honoring a loved one, supporting someone fighting heart disease, or striving to live a longer, healthier life.”
Castro said the community’s involvement is helping build long-term change.
“We’re raising a generation of lifesavers,” he said. “Anybody can get involved, high school students, working adults, seniors. Everyone can make a difference.”
The walk began with a countdown led by Goldie and her mother, sending thousands onto the route with bells ringing and teams cheering.
“With every step you take and every dollar you raise, you are building a legacy that will save and improve lives,” Carrasco told the crowd. “Everyone, everywhere can help make a difference.”
Visit heart.org for more information.
James Goldmeer Reporter | Goodyear & Litchfield Park
Meet James James Goldmeer joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2024, starting their career as a reporter in Goodyear and Litchfield Park.
Community: James grew up in the West Valley, calling Avondale home and going to school in Glendale and Peoria. Returning to the community after university, James plans to get involved in everything arts and culture, and civil rights.
Education: Northern Arizona University a bachelor's degree in Journalism, a certificate in Professional Communications, with a minor in English.
Random Fact: James spent half a year as an intern for the Arizona House of Representatives communication team, working with legislators to inform the public through press releases and social media.
Hobbies: James collects postcards and old books, reads memoirs and attends local jazz shows.
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