The Heart Walk is welcoming hundreds of residents to participate in The American Heart Association fundraiser in Santa Clarita on Saturday, November 4.

The Heart Walk is scheduled to start at 7:30 a.m. at Bridgeport Park located at 23520 Bridgeport Lane in Santa Clarita.

More than $1.5 Million has been raised to date to fight heart disease, stroke and cardiovascular disease. Participants have a choice between participating in a 5K Walk or a 1-Mile Survivor Stroll. The walk is non-competitive, organizers said.

Dozens of community, family and company teams are planning to participate to support the mission of building healthier lives, free of heart disease and stroke.

“The event is not just to raise funds and awareness but to encourage healthy habits, as well,” said Kristine Mosqueda-Kelly, senior director of communications and marketing for the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, “At the heart of it is to build healthier lives.”

Rocky, a 1-year-old boy, will be participating in the walk this year. He was born with a congenital heart defect where his major arteries were criss-crossed. Rocky had open heart surgery at the age of two weeks and another surgery at three months old. Rocky is doing well but is scheduled to have a follow-up surgery when he turns 3, according to Mosqueda-Kelly.

Also participating in the Heart Walk is Alexander, age 4. Alexander was born with half of a heart and suffered a stroke. He has had five open heart surgeries to date including a heart transplant. Alexander and his parents have been participating in the Heart Walks since 2014.

In addition to the Heart Walk, participants are encouraged to play a giant game of Jenga, visit the Hula Hoops area and try their skills at a fun game of Corn Toss.

Heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases claim the lives of more than 801,000 men, women and children every year, according to the AHA.

The Heart Walk is an annual tradition that brings the community together to raise awareness and critical funds to fight these diseases. The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) believe that everyone deserves to live a healthier, longer life. Life is Why the AHA/ASA is committed to the mission of building healthier lives, free of heart disease and stroke, through cardiovascular research funding, patient care initiatives, health advocacy and community education.

The Expo opens at 7:30 a.m. and the Main Stage Ceremony begins at 8:30 a.m. The 5K Walk and Survivor Stroll are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m., followed by a Post-Walk Party from 9:30-11 a.m.

The AHA needs volunteers to help set up, tear down and assist with other activities. Please show up early and offer your assistance if you are interested in supporting this cause with your time.

Parking is available at Real Life Church, located across the street from Bridgeport Park. Additional parking is located in the Bridgeport Elementary School parking lot with overflow parking available at Bridgeport Marketplace.

Click here  or call (213) 291-7094 for further event information.

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