West Valley Heart Walk sets participation fundraising records

The American Heart Association’s 2025 West Valley Heart Walk set new participation and fundraising records according to event organizers.

This year’s walk raised $315,000, the highest total in the event’s history. Organizers said 79 companies registered, also a record. An estimated 8,000 people attended the event at Goodyear Civic Square.

Ruben Castro, CEO of Abrazo Scottsdale Campus, served as chair of the 2025 event. The Heart Association recognized Abrazo Health for bringing the largest group of participants, with 295 walkers.

Castro said this year’s event emphasized prevention efforts, including CPR training and public education.

 “Empowering people to save lives is at the heart of the American Heart Association’s mission,” he stated.

The West Valley Heart Walk is a noncompetitive 3-mile event, with an optional 1-mile “Survivor Miracle Mile,” aimed at raising awareness and funds to support heart disease and stroke prevention.

The event featured health education booths, wellness activities and entertainment. Families were encouraged to participate, and pets and strollers were permitted.

Organizers said a major focus of this year’s campaign was supporting the Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers initiative, which seeks to double survival rates from cardiac arrest by 2030 through broader CPR training and awareness.

“People walk at this event for very personal reasons because most of us know someone affected by heart disease,” Castro stated.

Abrazo Health is a local sponsor of the West Valley Heart Walk and supports the American Heart Association’s year-round heart health and research initiatives, according to the organization.

Visit heart.org for more information.