Abrazo Health announced it is hosting the first-ever West Valley Heart Walk in December.
The Dec. 2 American Heart Association-sponsored event at Goodyear Civic Square will feature a 3-mile walk and a 1-mile survivor miracle mile. Pre-Walk festival activities will begin at 9 a.m. and the West Valley Heart Walk will kick off at 9:30 a.m. Entertainment will continue after walkers complete their exercise.
Registration for the event is free; participants can start a team, join a group, or join as individuals.
The West Valley Heart Walk will raise money to fund research and education and advocate for heart health. Abrazo West Campus CEO Hans Driessnack is chair of the West Valley Heart Walk.
“I have been affected by heart disease both personally and professionally. I lost my grandfather to a heart attack caused by congestive heart failure and my grandma to a stroke. On a professional level, I have seen the effects of unmanaged heart disease on a daily basis in my career,” he said.
Driessnack encourages West Valley businesses and residents to join him in support. He says it’s an opportunity to be a founding member of a cause dedicated to improving people’s lives.
“I am excited to rally the West Valley around the community impact of heart disease. Heart disease exacts a large toll on individuals, families and businesses. This is a great opportunity to show people how they can improve the quality of their life,” said Driessnack.
Meghan Shapiro, chair of American Heart Association’s Greater Phoenix board of directors, said she believes the event could spur a change in lifestyle for residents.
“Working adults spend a large portion of their day in the office or in sedentary work environments which gives employers a unique opportunity to inspire healthy habits and healthier lives,” she said. “Through the West Valley Heart Walk, and its dedicated supporters, we are truly making an impact. The commitment organizations are making to the health and wellness of their employees show a lot of heart.”
To register for the West Valley Heart Walk, visit https://www2.heart.org/site/TR?fr_id=9123&pg=entry.