Over 1,500 united in Miami-Dade to build a community of lifesavers
MIAMI, Dec. 19, 2025 — 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 1,500 people gathered at the Miami-Dade Heart Walk on December 13 at loanDepot park, raising over $440,000 to expand CPR education, support life-saving research, survivor programs and heart health initiatives across Miami-Dade, furthering 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 Miami-Dade Heart Walk 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.
“The Heart Walk shows what members of Miami-Dade can do together,” said Allyssa Tobitt, CEO of HCA Florida Mercy Hospital and volunteer chair of the Miami-Dade Heart Walk. “By supporting this year-round movement, we’re not just raising funds — we’re equipping more people with lifesaving skills and helping make Miami-Dade 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.”
This year’s top fundraising companies included Ryder System, Inc., HCA Florida Healthcare, and Bayview Asset Management.
“This year’s Heart Walk reinforced how powerful it is when a community commits to action. By prioritizing bystander CPR and cardiac emergency readiness in Miami-Dade, we’re helping ensure more people are prepared to act in those critical first moments said Marisol Vera, executive director of the American Heart Association, Miami. “The impact of today extends far beyond the walk and will continue to save lives throughout our community.”
The Miami-Dade Heart Walk is sponsored by ADP, Almazan Law, Amgen, American AED, Baptist Health Heart & Vascular Care, Bayview Asset Management, Center for Information & Study on Clinical Research Participation, Encompass Health, Florida Power & Light Company, HCA Florida Healthcare, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Nicklaus Children's Hospital, Ryder System, Inc., Schiller Americas, Inc., and UHealth.
To register, donate or learn Hands-Only CPR, visit MiamiDadeHeartWalk.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 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.
For Media Inquiries:
Melissa Solis: Melissa.Solis@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
