The countdown is underway for the inaugural West Valley Heart Walk.

Abrazo Health is partnering with the American Heart Association to present the event on Saturday, Dec. 2, at Goodyear Civic Square, 1900 N. Civic Square.

The walk will serve as a community event focused on improving the quality of life for West Valley residents. Money raised will go toward making an impact on local lives through providing automated external defibrillators, CPR training, and education for heart health, as well as funding critical research.

Registration is free and participants can start a team, join a team, or join as an individual. Participants can form teams now and register for the West Valley Heart Walk by clicking here.

Abrazo Health’s presence in the West Valley, along with its commitment to heart health, made the partnership a natural extension of the cardiovascular care provided in Abrazo hospitals, Abrazo West Campus CEO Hans Driessnack, who is chairing the event, shared in a press release.

“I have been affected by heart disease both personally and professionally, and I see the effects of unmanaged heart disease on a daily basis in our hospitals,” he stated. “I’m thrilled to collaborate with the American Heart Association Arizona Division and serve as the 2023 Chair for the West Valley Heart Walk.”

Abrazo West Campus CEO Hans Driessnack

The West Valley Heart Walk will feature a 3-mile walk and a 1-mile survivor miracle mile. The event opens at 9 a.m. and the walk will start at 10. Health activities and entertainment will continue after walkers complete their exercise.

Money is critically needed to fight the No. 1 and No. 5 killers in the nation, heart disease and stroke, according to the American Heart Association. With a fundraising goal set at $500,000, donations made through the West Valley Heart Walk will help save the lives of adults struggling with heart disease and fund new heart and stroke medical breakthroughs.