AUSTIN, Nov. 20, 2025 ­­­ — On Nov. 16, more than 3,000 Austinites gathered at the Austin Heart and Stroke Walk, raising more than $715,000 and learning lifesaving CPR skills. Approximately 436,000 Americans die from cardiac arrest each year – most often outside a hospital – but Austin Heart and Stroke Walk attendees are now prepared to perform bystander CPR, which can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival.

This year’s Heart and Stroke Walk brought together heart disease and stroke survivors, participants from 62 local companies and other community members to learn the lifesaving skills of Hands-Only CPR, celebrate local survivors and support the mission of the Association. Featured survivors included Lily Angelle, a stroke survivor in her early 30s who has become an advocate for disability access in the Austin music scene, and MJ Sumner, a child who had heart surgery at just three months old. That experience inspired her mother, Mallory Sumner, to chair this year’s Heart and Stroke Walk.

“It’s incredibly important to be involved in our communities – for me, there’s no better cause to be involved with than the Heart and Stroke Walk,” said Sumner. “My daughter, MJ, was born with a congenital heart defect and had open heart surgery when she was a baby. She loves being involved with the American Heart Association and has inspired me to join her. It’s one of my very favorite ways to honor and celebrate her brave spirit!”

This year’s top fundraising companies included St. David’s HealthCare, Qualcomm and Charles Schwab. Emcee Nick Bannin, chief meteorologist with media sponsor KXAN, kept the energy up for speakers like Brad Wisdom of the American Heart Association, Meredith Duncan of Texicare and Matt Ashley of Centre for Neuro Skills. All of this was possible thanks to Live Fierce, Be Relentless sponsor Ascension Seton, Signature sponsors Texas Mutual Insurance and Centre for Neuro Skills, as well as Heart Beat Hero sponsor H-E-B.

Companies join the Austin Heart and Stroke Walk to make a tangible difference – through education and community outreach, they help empower the 61% of people who do not feel confident responding to an out-of-hospital cardiac emergency. The Heart and Stroke Walk is the Association’s largest community-facing initiative, reaching more than 10 million people nationwide each year. Through fundraising, community education and corporate engagement, the Heart and Stroke Walk aims to enhance CPR training accessibility, support bystander preparedness, increase funding for cardiovascular research and drive equitable health for all people.

Saving a life takes just two simple steps. First, call 9-1-1 if you see a person collapse, then push hard and fast in the center of the chest to the beat of a song that has 100-120 beats per minute, such as Taylor Swift’s “Wood” or the Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive.” Learn more about Hands-Only CPR at heart.org/nation.

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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

Michael Vybiral: michael.vybiral@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org