Alison Flynn Gaffney, CEO of Banner – University Medicine southern Arizona, and Jennifer Mendrzycki, president and CEO of TMC Health, will lead the charge as the 2026 American Heart Association Heart Walk co-chairs to build a community of lifesavers in southern Arizona. Under Mendrzycki and Flynn Gaffney’s leadership, civic and business leaders throughout southern Arizona will be encouraged to rally participants in the Southern Arizona Heart Walk, a year-round campaign aimed at raising funds to fight cardiovascular disease while educating the public about hands-only CPR and equipping people with resources to act in the face of a cardiac emergency.

The American Heart Association celebrated 100 years of lifesaving service in 2024, and has put a spotlight on hands-only CPR education as a critical element of the Heart Walk campaign. According to the Association, nine out 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]. Flynn Gaffney, Mendrzycki and other regional leaders are committed to ensuring that more people in southern Arizona are prepared to respond effectively in these life-or-death situations.

“The Heart Walk gives southern Arizonans an extraordinary opportunity to address a critical issue in our communities,” said Marc Acuña, executive director of the American Heart Association in Tucson. 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 the region. With the CEOs of the region’s two leading non-profit health systems at the helm, we are confident this year’s campaign will have an even greater impact in saving lives.”

The Heart Walk, active in over 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 in the U.S. 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.

“For the health of our communities, Jennifer and I are setting aside competition and joining forces to empower healthier lives through this work over the next year. Becoming one team for heart health and leading forward for impact, we believe will be a difference maker for the communities we serve,” said Flynn Gaffney.

"We envision a future where at least one person in every southern Arizona household knows CPR," said Mendrzycki. "The impact of having a trained, confident lifesaver in every home in the region cannot be overstated. By joining the Southern Arizona Heart Walk, companies are helping to turn our community from bystanders into lifesavers, ensuring that when a cardiac emergency occurs, someone is ready to step in and help."

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 in April 2026, at Gene C. Reid Park, where thousands 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 Kathy Wood at Kathy.Wood@heart.org. For more information about the Southern Arizona Heart Walk, visit SoAZHeartWalk.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, on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. 

 

For Media Inquiries: 702-789-4379

Name: Christopher Calloway, Email: christopher.calloway@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org