TULSA, April 8, 2025 – Richard Cox, manufacturing support leader of Oklahoma operations with Spirit AeroSystems Inc., is leading the charge as chairman of the 2025 Tulsa Heart Walk. The year-round Heart Walk campaign will culminate on Saturday, April 26, at ONEOK Field, where 3,500 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.

Under Cox’s leadership, top executives throughout the Tulsa region are recruiting 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. Cox has been a member of the event’s executive leadership committee for seven years and counting. Spirit AeroSystem’s annual heart walk campaign has grown from $1,500 to more than $75,000.

The American Heart Association, a global force changing the future of health for all, has put a spotlight on 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]. Cox and a team of top executive leaders are committed to ensuring that more people in Tulsa are prepared to respond effectively in these life-or-death situations.

“The Heart Walk gives Tulsa residents and employees an extraordinary opportunity to address a critical issue in our community” said Susan Brehm, executive director of the American Heart Association-Tulsa. 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 Tulsa. With Richard Cox at the helm, we are confident this year’s campaign will have an even greater impact in saving lives.”

Cox, an Oklahoma native, is cognizant of the high rate of heart disease in the state and has a personal connection to it. His father-in-law has had nine heart bypass surgeries,

and the family is grateful for the life-saving measures made possibly through research by the American Heart Association.

“With modern medicine and some lifestyle changes, he has far surpassed his life expectancy,” said Cox. “We cherish the time that we get to spend with him. If I can give another family the opportunity to spend it with their loved ones, then I feel empowered to help make a difference in growing the awareness of heart health.”

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 Tulsa. 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.

"We envision a future where at least one person in every household knows CPR," said Cox. "The impact of having a trained, confident lifesaver in every home across Tulsa cannot be overstated. By joining the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk, companies are helping to turn our community from bystanders into lifesavers, ensuring that when a cardiac emergency occurs, there is someone ready to step in and make a difference."

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.

Companies interested in participating can contact Senior Development Director Astrid Rockwood at Astrid.Rockwood@heart.org. For more information, visit TulsaHeartWalk.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

Cyd King: cyd.king@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org