The American Heart Association’s 2025 West Valley Heart Walk achieved record-breaking success Nov. 15, led by Ruben Castro, CEO of Abrazo Scottsdale Campus, who served as this year’s event chair.

The walk raised $315,000 — the highest total in the event’s history. Participation also soared; with a record 79 companies registering for the event.

The American Heart Association recognized Abrazo Health for contributing the largest number of walkers, with 295 Abrazo participants among an estimated 8,000 total at Goodyear Civic Square.

“This year, the focus was on prevention—equipping our community with CPR training, education, and the confidence to step in if a cardiac emergency occurs,” said Castro. “Empowering people to save lives is at the heart of the American Heart Association’s mission.”

The West Valley Heart Walk is a non-competitive, 3-mile walk (with an optional 1-mile “Survivor Miracle Mile”) designed to raise awareness and funds to support the Heart Association’s fight against heart disease and stroke.

On event day, attendees also enjoyed a community-centric festival atmosphere, including health education, wellness activities, entertainment, and other opportunities for families — pets and strollers were welcome — to take place in the fun, healthy activities.

Beyond fundraising, a key goal this year was to promote prevention: the walk emphasized community readiness with CPR and lifesaving education as part of the broader mission of the Heart Association. The 2025 campaign supports the AHA’s national Nation of Lifesavers™ effort — which aims to double survival rates from cardiac arrest by 2030 by increasing CPR training and awareness.

“People walk at this event for very personal reasons because most of us know someone affected by heart disease. We walk together because we know that with every step, we are educating and saving lives,” said Castro.

Abrazo Health is a proud local sponsor of the West Valley Heart Walk as part of the American Heart Association’s year-round efforts to improve heart health, advance scientific research, and save lives.