Gulf Coast Communities Unite for Heart Health at the 2024 Gulf Coast Heart Walks

HOUSTON, TX -- The American Heart Association, a global force for longer, healthier lives, hosted its 2024 Gulf Coast Heart Walks, uniting thousands of participants across the region to take action and save lives. Taking place across Northwest Harris County, Montgomery County, and the Bay Area, these events collectively raised over $557,000 to support life-saving cardiovascular research, education, and community programs.

Northwest Harris County Heart Walk
“I walk to save lives, like that of my daughter Emory, who was born with a congenital heart defect,” shared Katie Rigby, Chairperson of the Northwest Harris County Heart Walk. “The funds raised through the Heart Walk are helping to advance research, ensuring that children like Emory have the chance to live a full and healthy life.”
Under Rigby’s leadership and with the generous support of First Community Credit Union as the Presenting Sponsor, the Northwest Harris County Heart Walk drew an estimated 1,200 participants, all united in their commitment to heart health.

Montgomery County Heart Walk
“Heart disease and high blood pressure have deeply impacted my family, resulting in the unexpected loss of my father to cardiac arrest. This tragedy fueled my passion for educating the public about heart health,” shared Keaton Kainer, Chairperson of the Montgomery County Heart Walk.

With the generous support of Woodforest National Bank as the Presenting Sponsor, this year’s Heart Walk reached unprecedented success. Approximately 3,500 participants united to advocate for heart health, support lifesaving initiatives, and strengthen a community dedicated to making a difference.

Bay Area Heart Walk
Led by Chair Noel J. Cardenas and powered by Presenting Sponsor Memorial Hermann, the Bay Area Heart Walk brought together an impressive 2,500 participants in a celebration of heart health and community impact. Among the inspiring stories shared was that of Noel’s son, Noah, who used the FAST acronym he learned as a health science student at Kingwood Park High School to identify stroke symptoms in a co-worker. Thanks to his quick thinking and a call to 911, his co-worker received timely treatment, made a full recovery, and has since returned to work.

For 100 years the American Heart Association has saved and improved lives, pioneered scientific discovery and advocated for healthy communities. With bold moves and support from donors like you, Heart Walk saves lives by bringing friends, families, coworkers, and neighbors together. And together, we demonstrate our commitment to health, and honor or remember loved ones with heart disease or stroke. “The Gulf Coast Heart Walks exemplify the resilience and generosity of our communities,” said Kellie Armstrong, Executive Director of the Gulf Coast. “Thanks to the leadership of our dedicated chairs, the support of our sponsors, and the enthusiasm of our participants, we’re taking significant strides toward a world free of heart disease and stroke.”

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