Los Angeles heart transplant survivor laces up for her 12th Heart and Stroke Walk
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 2, 2025 — Judy Race is preparing to walk her 12th Heart and Stroke Walk. Not because she has to, but because she can.
Thirteen years ago, Race’s heart stopped without warning. After surviving a rare and life-threatening heart condition and receiving a heart transplant, every step she takes is a symbol of hope, resilience and the lifesaving power of research.
“There was a time when I couldn’t walk from my bed to a chair,” said Race, who’s semi-retired after 25 years in television production. “Now, I am able and proud to walk a 5K, and I do it to honor my journey and the miracle and research that saved me.”
Race is one of many heart disease and stroke survivors who will be joining thousands of community members at the American Heart Association’s Greater Los Angeles Heart and Stroke Walk on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.
The walk, sponsored by Optum, UCLA Health, Keck Medicine of USC and Dignity Health, aims to raise $1.7 million to help advance the Association’s vision of health and hope for everyone, everywhere. The event will include three-mile and one-mile walk routes, a kids’ zone, fun fitness breaks, free blood pressure readings and an opportunity to learn lifesaving Hands-Only CPR.
For Dr. Carolyn Kaloostian, the chairperson of this year’s walk, the American Heart Association’s mission is deeply personal. While in medical school, Kaloostian tragically lost her mother to a cardiac arrest. Years later, she helped save her father-in-law’s life by performing CPR during a similar emergency at home.
“One of our goals for the Heart and Stroke Walk is to build a Nation of Lifesavers where at least one person in every household knows how to perform this lifesaving skill in a cardiac emergency,” said Kaloostian, Associate Clinical Professor of Family Medicine at Keck Medicine of USC.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD), including heart disease and stroke, is the No. 1 cause of death in the U.S. and globally. Nearly 128 million U.S. adults have some form CVD.
Over its more than 100-year history, the American Heart Association has been fighting heart disease and stroke, striving to save and improve lives by helping advance scientific and technological innovations. Deaths from cardiovascular disease have been cut in half since its founding in 1924.
The Association has invested $6.1 billion in research since 1949, resulting in breakthroughs that save and improve countless lives every day, including CPR, the artificial heart valve, cholesterol lowering drugs, stents and microsurgery.
The American Heart Association is devoted to transforming policies, systems and communities to improve the health and well-being of all people. It is also the leader in resuscitation science, education and training, and the publisher of the official guidelines for CPR and emergency cardiovascular care.
For information and to join the Greater Los Angeles Heart and Stroke Walk, go to HeartWalkLA.org.
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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 100 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/SouthernCalifornia, Facebook, Instagram or X, or email LAvolunteers@heart.org.
For media inquiries, contact:
Kristine Kelly, 213-453-9277, kristine.kelly@heart.org
Luis Cruz, 619-838-3106, luis.cruz@heart.org
Elena de la Cruz (Spanish), 323-804-5281, elena.delacruz@heart.org
Public Inquiries:
1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721), heart.org and stroke.org
