Artesia General Hospital (AGH) hosted a highly successful Heart Walk event on Saturday, September 21, bringing together community members from multiple cities to raise awareness and support for the American Heart Association.
AGH was recognized in the following categories
• the Top Community Award for 2024
• Team Don't Go Bacon My Heart for the Top Team Award (Shawna Beasley, Allison Conklin, LaDonna Jurado, Rebecca Nesse, Peter Grimm, Gene Castro, Clarissa Chavez, Angie Calderon, Sabrina Fulwider, and Holly Underwood)
• Shawna Beasley was the Top Walker, helping raise the most in funding
Held in the park areas surrounding the hospital grounds, the walk brought together participants, volunteers, and sponsors, who joined forces to advocate for heart health and help fight against heart disease and stroke.
These participants—ranging from families and corporate teams to heart disease survivors—came together in support of heart health, raising close to $10,000 for the American Heart Association. The funds will directly support research, education, and community programs focused on reducing cardiovascular disease.
Danny King, a recent participant in the Heart Walk, shared the life-changing experience that led him to join the event. In late April, while visiting a friend in Arizona, King began experiencing chest pain and a squeezing sensation. Initially deciding to wait until morning, he now reflects that this was a poor choice. The next morning, after undergoing blood tests at the hospital, doctors revealed that he had suffered a heart attack. He was immediately airlifted to Tucson Medical Center, where it was discovered that he had three blocked arteries. King underwent quadruple bypass surgery, during which a vein was removed from his leg, and he spent 10 days in the hospital recovering.
King's wife's interest in exercise and a healthier lifestyle led her to begin researching 5K events in the area, eventually coming across the Artesia Heart Walk.
They quickly gathered sponsors and decided to participate. Danny completed the 5K alongside others, enjoying the conversations and camaraderie with fellow walkers. He described the event as a fun and fulfilling experience, with the Heart Walk offering him a meaningful way to celebrate his recovery and support heart health awareness.
"This year's Heart Walk was an incredible success, and we are beyond grateful to everyone who participated and donated," said AGH Director of Quality Jackie Cantrell, who has led efforts to organize the event over the last few years. "Our community's commitment to heart health and supporting the American Heart Association is inspiring. It was wonderful to see so many people walking together for a cause that impacts all of us," she added.
The walk not only exceeded its fundraising goal but also helped promote the importance of preventive care and healthy living within the community. Artesia General Hospital's leadership in organizing the event reflects its ongoing dedication to improving community health and providing essential healthcare services. "The funds raised will help support critical research and community health programs," said AGH CEO Joe Salgado. "We are grateful to our employees and community members for organizing such a successful event and to everyone who came out in support. Together, we're making strides toward a world free of heart disease and stroke."
About the American Heart Association*
The American Heart Association is the nation's oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. Founded in 1924, the organization funds innovative research, advocates for stronger public health policies, and provides critical tools and information to help people live healthier lives.
For more information, visit www.heart.org.
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