The third annual Heart Walk was held at Bridgeport Park Saturday, bringing thousands to raise awareness for cardiovascular disease and stroke.
The event was hosted by the American Heart Association.
“Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer in Los Angeles and stroke is the number two killer,” said Kelsey Muir, Business Development Director for the American Heart Association.
Over 2,000 people participated in the 5k walk, which traversed sidewalks in the Bridgeport area.
Saturday’s event was one in a series of four walks taking place around the greater Los Angeles area this year.
Walks also took place in Long Beach and Pasadena. The fourth and final walk will be in the Antelope Valley on Saturday, November 5th at Marie Kerr Park.
“For us (this event) just means a gathering of our loved ones and raising money for them,” Muir said.
Although registration is free for a Heart Walk, Muir said the heart association has a goal of raising $1,750,000 from donations and sponsors.
“We are about $200,000 away,” she said.
The American Heart Association’s mission is to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke, according to the organization’s website.
