ALBUQUERQUE, Aug. 11, 2025 — The American Heart Association’s New Mexico Heart Walk and 5K Run returns Saturday, Sept. 13, at Avanyu Plaza across from the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, bringing together survivors, families and advocates to fight heart disease and stroke one step at a time.

This year’s event features Abbie Schroeder, a spirited young girl born with a rare congenital heart defect, as the 2025 featured survivor. Her story of resilience and medical triumph underscores the importance of continued research, education and community support.

“Our journey with the American Heart Association is deeply personal,” said Chris Schroeder, Abbie’s parent. “We walk not just for Abbie, but for every family facing the uncertainty of heart disease.”

The Heart Walk also highlights the Association’s Nation of Lifesavers™ initiative, a nationwide effort to double survival rates from cardiac arrest by 2030. With nearly 90% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests proving fatal, the event will offer a CPR experience to empower New Mexicans to act in cardiac emergencies.

“Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere,” said Tamara Fitzgerald Ludwig, walk co-chairperson and heart transplant survivor. “We want at least one person in every household to learn CPR. That’s the kind of community we’re building.”

Ludwig and fellow co-chairperson Liz Nauman, both born with congenital heart defects, are leading the charge to engage corporate teams and individuals across the state. Their stories of survival and advocacy serve as powerful reminders of the mission behind the walk.

“Survivors are the cornerstone of Heart Walk,” said Sherri Wells, executive director of the American Heart Association–New Mexico. “Tamara, Liz and Abbie remind us that behind every statistic is a story — a life saved, a family kept whole.”

The event also promotes walking as a simple, accessible way to improve heart and brain health. Dr. Robert Taylor, clinical medical director at Optum Health Care and a member of the Association’s New Mexico board of directors, emphasized the benefits of regular movement.

“Walking improves cardiovascular function, lowers blood pressure and reduces inflammation,” Taylor said. “Even small amounts of walking can have big benefits. The key is to sit less and move more.”

Participants can walk or run the 5K route, enjoy family-friendly activities, and visit booths offering a CPR experience, health screenings and heart-healthy snacks. Survivors will be recognized with red caps, symbolizing hope and resilience.

The walk is presented by Delta Dental of New Mexico. To register, donate or learn more, visit NewMexicoHeartWalk.org or contact Sherri.Wells@heart.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 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