FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. March 17, 2025 — More than 8,000 people gathered at the Broward Heart Walk on March 9 at Nova Southeastern University, raising over a million dollars to further the American Heart Association’s lifesaving mission.

Nine out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside the hospital don’t survive—a sobering statistic that underscores the Heart Walk’s urgent call to action: fundraise, learn CPR and take action to save lives.

In addition to raising critical funds, the Broward Heart Walk brought together heart disease and stroke survivors, as well as participants from 69 local companies, to unite in the mission to save lives. Every walker who joined the Heart Walk, every dollar donated, means more people trained in lifesaving CPR, more research and more lifesaving moments for everyone.  

“The Heart Walk is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together,” said Leah Carpenter, retired executive vice president and COO, Memorial Healthcare and volunteer chairperson of the Heart Walk. “By supporting this year-round initiative, we’re not just raising funds—we’re equipping more people with lifesaving CPR skills and making Broward a stronger, healthier place. Our vision is for every home to be prepared to respond to a cardiac emergency, and we’re grateful to everyone who helped us take a big step toward that goal.”

The top Broward area Heart Walk fundraising companies include:

  • Memorial Healthcare System
  • Rick Case Automotive Group
  • Stiles Corporation
  • CITY Furniture
  • Community Care Plan

“Our team is proud to contribute to such a meaningful cause,” said Ryan Case, leader of Rick Case Enterprises. “It’s inspiring to know that the funds we raised will help train more people in CPR and support research that saves lives. Being part of this event makes us feel like we’re truly making a difference in our community.”

The full list of sponsors include: CITY Furniture, Memorial Healthcare System, HCA Florida Healthcare, Florida Blue, Nova Southeastern University, Rick Case Automotive Group, Stiles Corporation, Community Care Plan, FPL, B&I Contractors, Nicklaus Children's Hospital, Schiller Americas, LaCroix Sparkling Water, American AED, Broward Health, Cleveland Clinic, Holy Cross Health, JM Family Enterprises, Kindred Hospitals, LifeSync, Solstice Benefits, and WSVN-TV.

To learn more, visit BrowardHeartWalk.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: 214-706-1173

Melissa Solis melissa.solis@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org