Thousands unite for heart health at 2025 Greater Orlando Heart Walk
ORLANDO, Fla., Dec. 10, 2025 – Every year, hundreds of thousands of Americans experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital, and only 1 in 10 survive. Immediate CPR can double or even triple survival chances. To address this urgent need, thousands of Central Floridians came together on Saturday, December 6 for the American Heart Association’s 2025 Greater Orlando Heart Walk, a celebration of health, hope, and lifesaving action.
This year’s event was chaired by Wendy Brandon, CEO of UCF Lake Nona Hospital, part of HCA Florida Healthcare, who inspired local leaders and organizations to join forces in advancing CPR education and funding heart and stroke research. Nearly 20,000 walkers filled the University of Central Florida’s Memory Mall for a scenic 3-mile walk and heart-healthy activities.
“The Heart Walk is about more than steps—it’s about saving lives,” said Brandon. “By teaching CPR, sharing warning signs, and encouraging healthy habits, we’re giving our community the tools to thrive. Together, we’re building a stronger, healthier future.”
Under Brandon’s leadership, the campaign rallied dozens of companies and community partners to champion health equity and support the AHA’s mission. “When everyone has access to the resources they need for good health, we all win,” Brandon added. “That’s why this event matters.”
The day featured activities and sponsor activations, including: co-host appearances from Magic 107.7’s Chad Pitt, Fox35’s Ryan Elijah and Amy Kaufeldt; Hands-Only CPR training by Orlando Health; survivor recognition and photobooth by AdventHealth; ADP’s Lifesaver Mile, encouraging CPR education: Flu vaccines by Walgreens; and HCA Florida Healthcare’s “Ask a Doctor” station where attendees could ask physicians health and dietary questions; and much more.
Thanks to the generosity of participants and sponsors, the Greater Orlando Heart Walk raised over $1.7 million, surpassing last year’s record and fueling lifesaving research and community programs.
Local 2025 Heart Walk sponsors include:
AdventHealth, ADP, AVMed, Brasfield & Gorrie, Brooks Rehabilitation, Burns & McDonnell, Fox News35, Gilbane HCA Florida Healthcare, JP Morgan Chase, Magic 107.7, Mitsubishi Power, Nemours Children’s Health, Orlando Health, RUMBA 100.3, Simpkins Family Foundation, T-Mobile, TLC Engineering Solutions, Walgreens, and Wesco.
For more information, visit GreaterOrlandoHeartWalk.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:
Emory Parkins: emory.parkins@heart.org
