LUBBOCK, Texas, June 25, 2025 – The 2025 Lubbock Heart Walk, the signature event of the American Heart Association, returns to the Texas Tech University campus with a new location, new goals and guidance from two dynamic university leaders.

Chris Cook, assistant professor of practice and assistant dean of enrollment management and marketing in the Texas Tech University College of Media and Communication, and Dr. Scott Shurmur, a cardiologist and chairman of the Department of Internal Medicine at Texas Tech Health Sciences Center, are co-chairmen of the 2025 Lubbock Heart Walk. Cook also leads his own public relations firm, Chris Cook Communications, and is director of public relations for Primitive/AthletiQ Media.

The walk is set for Saturday, Sept. 20, at Fraizer Alumni Pavilion.

As a preventative cardiologist, Shurmur has devoted most of his professional life to the evolving science of preventing heart disease. When he moved to Lubbock for a job at Texas Tech a decade ago, he worked alongside the American Heart Association to eliminate existing exemptions that allowed indoor smoking in establishments such as bingo halls and pool halls.

His work has taken him to the forefront of new therapies to lower cholesterol and related lipid particles with the goal of reducing cardiovascular risk.

“This is a new time, and we are ready for the next step in cardiovascular prevention,” said Shurmur. “Much of the research to achieve the new frontier has been supported by the American Heart Association.”

Cook has similar motivations for serving as volunteer chairman. Congestive heart failure runs in Cook’s mother’s family.

“We all know someone who’s been affected directly and indirectly [by heart disease],” said Cook. “We’ve worried, shed tears and buried family and friends. Any level of involvement from volunteering to donating makes a difference.”

The year-round heart walk campaign raises funds to fight cardiovascular disease while equipping people with the knowledge and resources to act in the face of a cardiac emergency. Nine out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital don’t make it, yet immediate CPR can double or even triple the chances of survival. Cook and Shurmur are committed to ensuring that more people in Lubbock are prepared to respond effectively in these life-or-death situations.

This year, companies participating in the heart walk will play a crucial role in the American Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers™ initiative, a national effort aimed at doubling cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030. The goal is to have at least one trained, confident lifesaver in every home across Lubbock.

“The Heart Walk is where Lubbock shows up – not just to walk, but to stand together for something bigger than ourselves,” said Bailey Butler, new development director for the American Heart Association in Lubbock. “Every step taken, every dollar raised and every CPR skill learned brings us closer to a stronger, more connected, and heart-healthy community.”

The walk is a 5K that starts and ends at Frazier Pavilion. About 500 people are expected to participate, and organizers hope to raise $125,000.

Companies interested in participating or sponsoring the walk can contact Butler at Bailer.Butler@heart.org. To sign up as an individual or team, go to LubbockHeartWalk.org.  

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, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. 

For Media Inquiries

Cyd King: cyd.king@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org