Protect the hearts of those you love during the Birmingham Heart Walk, May 13-June 12

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Birmingham Heart Walk, American Heart Association
Walking for hearts. Photo via American Heart Association

Ready. Set. Move. The Birmingham Heart Walk benefiting the American Heart Association is back again, Thursday, May 13 to Saturday, June 12. Read on to find out why locals are choosing to help protect the hearts of others and how you can too. Ready to sign up? Register here.

Event Details

What: 2021 Birmingham American Heart Walk Digital Experience
When: Thursday, March 13-Saturday, June 12
Where: Anywhere
Price: No sign up fee, but fundraising is requested.
Register here

Meet David Cox

American Heart Association
David Cox and family raising awareness for the Birmingham Heart Walk. Photo via American Heart Association

David has served as the chair of the Birmingham Heart Walk for two years and is leading one of the top five 2021 fundraising teams in the city. He is also one of the top five walkers raising funds for the American Heart Association. 

David joins the Birmingham Heart Walk each year for one very special person in his life, his daughter, Emily. 

“My passion and involvement with the Birmingham Heart Walk originated from my middle child who was born with congenital heart defects. She had to undergo procedures as an infant to repair some of the defects. Then, three years ago, she had to undergo a second heart surgery.”

David Cox, Chair, Birmingham Heart Walk

Learn more about Emily’s story here

American Heart Association
All hands in for the Birmingham Heart Walk. Photo via American Heart Association

David heads up an executive leadership team of 13. Currently, over $415,000 has been raised towards the city’s goal of $650,000.

“We’ve been very successful at getting walker participation. Whether through sponsorships or community impact initiatives, all have been very important.

This year, Medical Properties Trust has made a huge impact by providing infant CPR kits and training for parents with babies who have just been released from the NICU. These CPR kits are delivered to parents at their home.”

David Cox

While David’s daughter is the driving force for his love of American Heart Association and the Birmingham Heart Walk, there are many others in similar situations.

“There are a lot more people than you realize that are impacted by heart disease or stroke. We are blessed in Birmingham to have an incredible medical community.

I think it’s a wonderful way to bring communities and businesses together to address a community need in a thoughtful way.”

David Cox

Here’s a look at American Heart Association’s 2021 Survivor Spotlight.

Are you ready to raise funds for the 2021 Birmingham Heart Walk? Sign up as an individual, join a team or create your own.

A few things to know about AHA + the Birmingham Heart Walk

Birmingham Heart Walk, American Heart Association
Former Birmingham Heart Walk. Photo via American Heart Association

How much do you know about the American Heart Association? Here are a few interesting facts that will open your heart to this amazing organization:

  • It was founded in 1924 by six cardiologists. 
  • It’s grown into the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. 
  • The very first Birmingham Heart Walk was in 1996.
  • In 2020, the Birmingham Heart Walk raised a total of $596,000.
  • Proceeds from the Birmingham Heart Walk benefit research and educational programs of the American Heart Association.

New this year—the Move More Challenge

Birmingham Heart Walk, American Heart Association
Birmingham Heart Walk at UAB. Photo via American Heart Association

This year, the Birmingham Heart Walk features something brand new—the Move More Challenge.

From Thursday, May 13 to Saturday, June 12, individuals and teams can join the 30-day Move More Challenge and perform activities of their choice. The purpose of the challenge is to get you moving while protecting the hearts of those you love. So walk, run, dance or even clean—just. keep. moving.

The coolest part is that it’s all done through an app. Here’s how to get started:

  1. Download or update your Heart Walk app on your phone via Apple, Android or Google, make sure you are registered for the walk and allow your app to access your phone’s health data.
  2. From Thursday, May 13 to Friday, June 12, track your activity. 
  3. Check the Heart Walk app or the Birmingham Heart Walk website daily to see your rank against other companies and teams in Birmingham participating in the Challenge. Psst! Top movers and fundraisers are recognized on Saturday, June 12. 

Don’t forget to spread awareness! On Saturday, June 12, join AHA and participants of the Birmingham Heart Walk on Facebook to post selfies, group shots and more to show your support. When posting use #BhamHeartWalk or tag @heartalabama to help raise awareness across the city.

Are you ready to protect the hearts you love? 

Register now for the 2021 Birmingham Heart Walk Digital Experience taking place Thursday, May 13-Saturday, June 12.

Can’t participate? Donate to a team, individual or directly to the event here

To learn more about the Birmingham Heart Walk benefiting the American Heart Association , visit their website or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter

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