Photo Credit: AHAEvents
American Heart Association Heart Walk brings community together to learn CPR, celebrate survivors and fuel cardiovascular research
Approximately 9 in 10 people who experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest do not survive – but immediate CPR can double or even triple a person’s chances of survival. More than 7,500 people gathered at the Northwest Harris County, Montgomery County, and Bay Area Heart Walk, raising over $500,000 to further the lifesaving mission of the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere.
In addition to raising critical funds, the Gulf Coast Heart Walks brought together heart disease and stroke survivors, participants from local companies and other community members to learn Hands-Only CPR and build a community of lifesavers.
Montgomery County
Chaired by dedicated community leader and vice president of First Community Credit Union, Research Forest, Justin Saldivar set the stage for years to come as the 2025 Montgomery County Heart Walk Chairperson. The Montgomery County Heart Walk welcomed over 3,000 individuals. “We envision a future where at least one person in every household knows CPR,” said Saldivar. “The impact of having a trained, confident lifesaver in every home across our community cannot be overstated. By joining the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk, companies are helping to turn people in our community from bystanders into lifesavers, ensuring that when a cardiac emergency occurs, there is someone ready to step in and make a difference.”
The Montgomery County Walk is sponsored by St. Luke’s Health the Woodlands Hospital, First Community Credit Union, Waste Connections, Houston Methodist the Woodlands Hospital, and Hello Woodlands. To leave a gift or learn Hands-Only CPR, visit 2025 Montgomery County Heart Walk.
Northwest Harris County
Dr. Christina Paruthi, 2025 Chairperson of the Northwest Harris County Heart Walk, led an impactful and empowering campaign, leading to over 1,000 participants coming out on a walk to save lives. “The Heart Walk shows what Northwest Harris County can do together,” said Paruthi, cardiologist at St. Luke’s Health the Vintage Park. “By supporting this year-round movement, we’re not just raising funds — we’re equipping more people with lifesaving skills and helping make Northwest Harris County a stronger, healthier place. Our vision is for every home to be ready to respond to a cardiac emergency, and we’re grateful to everyone who helped us take a big step toward that goal.”
The Northwest Harris Heart Walk is sponsored by: St. Luke’s Health, HCA Healthcare Foundation, First Community Credit Union, Memorial Hermann Cypress, and Hello Cypress. To leave a gift or learn Hands-Only CPR, visit 2025 Northwest Harris Heart Walk.
Bay Area
The Bay Area Heart Walk, chaired by Dr. Hani Jneid, Dr. Ivana Garza, and Dr. Khalil Anouti, of UTMB Health, brought together around 2,000 medical professionals, community advocates, survivors, and health enthusiasts. “Our team at UTMB Health is proud to support this mission,” said Dr. Hani Jneid, “Knowing the dollars raised will help train more people in CPR and support research that saves lives makes us feel like we truly made a difference in our community.”
The Bay Area Heart Walk is sponsored by UTMB Health, St. Luke’s Health, HCA Healthcare Foundation, Memorial Hermann, Fertitta Chevrolet, Center for Neuro Skills, HCA Clear Lake, Moody Neuro I-45 NOW, and Bay Area Magazine. To leave a gift or learn Hands-Only CPR, visit 2025 Bay Area Texas Heart Walk.
“The Heart Walk gives Gulf Coast residents and employees an extraordinary opportunity to address a critical issue in our community” said Lisa Fenley, senior director of development for the American Heart Association. Cardiac arrest can strike anyone, anywhere, and the difference between life and death often hinges on the quick actions of a bystander. Through the Heart Walk, we are not just raising funds; we are raising awareness, enhancing Hands-Only CPR awareness, and building a network of lifesavers.”
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
Source: American Heart Association
