UT Southwestern staff, family, and friends stepped out for a cause at this year’s Heart Walk to honor loved ones who have passed from heart disease and stroke and to show their commitment to the American Heart Association’s (AHA) mission to fund research to fight these cardiovascular diseases.

Next to the federal government, the AHA has become the largest not-for-profit organization funding research on cardiovascular disease since its founding in 1924. As the AHA’s flagship event to raise money for its lifesaving research, the Heart Walk attracts thousands of people to raise awareness.

Walkers converge on the streets of downtown Dallas as they participate in either the 1- or 3-mile hike to benefit AHA research.

UT Southwestern boasts one of the largest participation numbers among the organizations participating in Dallas’ walk – and this year was no exception. Over 2,200 people from UTSW across 138 teams participated in the Sept. 24 walk, pledging more than $37,000 to support the AHA and its mission.

“We walk together to celebrate survivors, learn how to improve our own heart health, and support the AHA to raise funds that ultimately save lives,” said Amit Khera, M.D., Professor of Internal Medicine and Director of the Preventive Cardiology Program at UT Southwestern. “Through a series of grants and awards, these funds have benefited our faculty’s research as we continue to investigate how to improve cardiovascular health.”

A group of enthusiastic UTSW supporters stops for a celebratory group shot with Reunion Tower in the background.

Before the walk, UT Southwestern employees and their friends and family were able to talk to UTSW leadership, take pictures, grab event swag, and eat a last-minute snack to fuel them through the course. Walkers powered through a 1- or 3-mile walk through downtown Dallas, and cheers from volunteers and a live band greeted walkers at the finish line.