JANESVILLE, Wis. (June 19, 2025) – Nicole Gilbertson and Sarah Gilbertson, of Blain’s Farm & Fleet, will lead the charge as 2025 Bert Blain Memorial Heart Walk co-chairs to build a community of lifesavers in Janesville.
Under Nicole and Sarah’s leadership, top executives throughout Janesville will unite to recruit companies and organizations to join the Heart Walk, a year-round campaign aimed at raising funds to fight cardiovascular disease while equipping people with the education, knowledge and resources to act in the face of a cardiac emergency by learning CPR.
"I am deeply honored to be part of such an incredible organization and to work alongside a team of dedicated leaders within our community,” Sarah said. “I am excited to continue the legacy that began in 1993 with our mother and grandfather during the very first Heart Walk in Janesville. Together, we are looking forward to making a lasting impact for our community."
The American Heart Association, which has been saving lives for more than 100 years, has put a spotlight on CPR education as a critical element of the Heart Walk campaign. According to the Association, nine of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital die[1], yet immediate CPR can double or even triple the chances of survival[2]. Nicole, Sarah and a team of top executive leaders are committed to ensuring that more people in Janesville are prepared to respond effectively in these life-or-death situations.
“I am thrilled to be co-chair of the Heart Walk with my sister,” Nicole said. “This event not only raises crucial funds for heart disease research and prevention but also brings people together to support a cause that affects so many lives. I am excited to work alongside passionate individuals and contribute to a healthier future for our community.”
The Heart Walk, active in more than 220 cities nationwide, is more than a fundraiser —it’s a movement that drives corporate involvement in the fight against cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death. This year, companies participating in the Heart Walk will play a crucial role in the American Heart Association’s initiative, a national effort aimed at doubling cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030.
“The Heart Walk gives Janesville residents and employees an extraordinary opportunity to address a critical issue in our community” said Tracy Duerr, executive director of the American Heart Association in outstate Wisconsin. “Cardiac arrest can strike anyone, anywhere, and the difference between life and death often hinges on the quick actions of a bystander. Through the Heart Walk, we are not just raising funds, we are raising awareness, enhancing CPR training and building a network of lifesavers throughout Janesville. With Nicole and Sarah at the helm, we are confident this year’s campaign will have an even greater impact in saving lives.”
The American Heart Association is a global leader in resuscitation science, education, and training, and the official publisher of CPR guidelines. Through the Nation of Lifesavers initiative, the Association is committed to empowering individuals everywhere to act in the event of a cardiac emergency, making sure that no one is left without the help they need when seconds count.
The year-round Heart Walk campaign will culminate on Sept. 14 at Janesville’s Town Square Pavillion, where hundreds of participants will walk to save lives while raising essential funds to advance lifesaving research, increase CPR education and training and drive equitable health for all people. Companies interested in participating can contact Mark Charter at Mark.Charter@Heart.org.
2025 sponsors include Blain's Farm & Fleet, Mercyhealth, Acrisure, Angus-Young, Buzz Impressions, GOEX, Prent and more. For more information about the 32nd Annual Bert Blain Memorial Heart Walk, visit RockCountyHeartWalk.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:
Travis Sloan:
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
[1] https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001123 (2023 American Heart Association Stats Update)
[2] Association of Bystander and First‐Responder Efforts and Outcomes According to Sex: Results From the North Carolina
