OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) — The American Heart Association (AHA) is set to host its annual Omaha Heart & Stroke Walk on Saturday, May 17, with a focus on raising awareness for those affected by heart disease and stroke. The free, family-friendly event will take place at Gene Leahy Mall, with opening ceremonies beginning at 8:10 a.m. and the walk starting around 9:00 a.m.
Shannon Hilaire, Marketing Communications Director for the AHA, described the walk as more than just a fundraiser. “The Heart Walk is a family-friendly, fun opportunity to get your heart pumping and to really raise awareness for cardiovascular disease and stroke,” she said. “While it’s a fundraising event, people are free to come out and just walk and enjoy the weather.”
The event coincides with American Stroke Month, observed every May. It includes educational activities like Hands-Only CPR training, provided by Omaha Fire and Rescue.
“Statistics show that when a cardiovascular event occurs, it’s most likely to happen at home,” Hilaire said. “It’s not a matter of if, but when. So, being prepared is incredibly important.”
Among those being recognized during the event is Greg Schraeder, a heart disease survivor. Two years ago, Schraeder suffered a sudden cardiac arrest during a bike ride with friends.
“We had stopped for a break, and I went into full cardiac arrest,” Schraeder recalled. “Luckily, I was surrounded by people who knew CPR—including doctors and nurses.”
He said the emergency lasted over 12 minutes, and bystanders without formal CPR training stepped in to help save his life.
Following his recovery, Schraeder underwent triple-bypass surgery and received an implanted defibrillator. His experience has profoundly shaped his outlook.
“Less than a year later, I completed a week-long, 400-mile bike ride across Nebraska,” he said.
Participants in the Heart Walk can choose between a 1-mile or 3-mile route. In addition to the walk itself, the event will feature water stations, a kids’ zone, and CPR demonstrations.
The AHA encourages community members to attend, learn life-saving skills, and support the fight against heart disease—the leading cause of death in the United States.
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