Pittsburgh Heart Walk empowers CPR heroes and honors survivors
PITTSBURGH, Oct. 29, 2025 — When David Donohoe collapsed from cardiac arrest at the Pittsburgh Heart Walk in 2017, his life hung in the balance. Thanks to immediate CPR and the swift action of bystanders, Donohoe survived and today, he’s not just a Heart Walk participant but living proof that CPR saves lives.
This year, Donohoe returned to Hartwood Acres alongside more than 3,000 others for the 2025 Pittsburgh Heart Walk, a powerful gathering that has raised more than $1.18 million to advance the lifesaving mission of the American Heart Association. The event united heart disease and stroke survivors, walkers from 103 local companies and community members to learn Hands-Only CPR and build a community of lifesavers.
“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,” said Donohoe, a team member at PNC Bank. “I’m here today because someone knew what to do. That’s why I share my story to help others be ready when it matters most.”
Donohoe’s story underscores a sobering reality: approximately nine 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.
“The Heart Walk is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together,” said Mark Kwapiszeski, executive chief information officer at PNC Bank and volunteer chairman of the Pittsburgh Heart Walk. “Every step we take helps build a community that’s ready to save lives. By supporting this movement, we’re not just raising funds, we’re empowering people with the skills and confidence to respond in a cardiac emergency. That’s how we create a healthier, more resilient Pittsburgh.”
This year’s top fundraising companies included Reed Smith, UPMC, Busy Beaver Building Centers and PNC Bank.
The Pittsburgh Heart Walk is more than a fundraiser, it’s a celebration of survival, and a rallying cry for a future where every household is ready and confident to respond to a cardiac emergency. To join the Nation of Lifesavers and commit to learning CPR, visit www.heart.org/nation-of-lifesavers .
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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:
Karen Colbert: karen.colbert@heart.org
heart.org and stroke.org
