Florence, South Carolina, October 5, 2025
News Summary
The annual Pee Dee Heart Walk in Florence, South Carolina, attracted over a thousand participants to raise funds and awareness for cardiovascular health. Aiming for $250,000, the event highlighted the importance of CPR training and community health programs, while honoring heart disease survivors. Personal stories underscored the significance of ongoing research and awareness campaigns. The rallying community spirit reflects a collective commitment to tackling heart disease and improving health outcomes for all.
Florence, South Carolina, was a hub of activity as the American Heart Association held its annual Pee Dee Heart Walk in downtown on Saturday. The event gathered over a thousand participants who united to raise awareness and funds for cardiovascular health.
This year’s walk aimed to raise $250,000, with proceeds going towards crucial aspects of cardiovascular care, including research, CPR training, and community health programs. The significance of this fundraising effort was echoed by Kristina Osborn, the Pee Dee Heart Walk development director. Osborn shared a personal connection to the cause, as her father is a two-time heart attack survivor. The event stood as a celebration of life, honoring those who have survived heart attacks while also emphasizing the ongoing fight against heart disease and stroke.
The event saw enthusiastic participation, with survivors, family members, and sponsors coming together. Latricia Maggette, one of the participants, expressed the importance of such activities for families who have been affected by heart conditions, reflecting the collective spirit of support and awareness that surrounded the event. Long-time sponsors like Honda have consistently supported the walk, helping to bolster community health initiatives over the years. Marie Thompson, a representative from Honda, noted the impressive turnout and demonstrated how collaborative efforts can drive positive change.
The urgency of taking action against heart disease is underscored by a critical statistic: 9 out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside a hospital do not survive, primarily due to delays in receiving CPR. This statistic served as a reminder of the importance of the initiatives funded by the Pee Dee Heart Walk.
Brenda Cooper participated in the walk in memory of her daughter, Gizelle, who tragically passed away at the age of 22 due to complications related to heart and maternal health. Cooper’s story illustrates the profound impact of heart disease on families and the need for continued research and awareness.
As the event came to a close, participants were encouraged to remain engaged in the fight against heart disease, with information available for those interested in participating in the next Pee Dee Heart Walk in 2025.
Community Impact
The Pee Dee Heart Walk not only raises funds but strengthens community ties as participants come together for a shared cause. With each step, they contribute to a greater understanding of heart health and promote a culture of prevention and support.
Takeaway Points
- Event Date: Annual Pee Dee Heart Walk, held Saturday
- Participants: Over 1,000 walked for cardiovascular health
- Funds Raised: Aiming for $250,000 to support vital health initiatives
- Heart Disease Awareness: Emphasized importance of community health programs
Get Involved
Individuals who missed this year’s Pee Dee Heart Walk are encouraged to get involved in future events by visiting the official website to stay informed.
FAQ
What is the Pee Dee Heart Walk?
The Pee Dee Heart Walk is an annual fundraising event organized by the American Heart Association aimed at raising awareness and funds for cardiovascular health.
When is the next Pee Dee Heart Walk?
The next Pee Dee Heart Walk is scheduled for 2025. Participants can check the official website for details.
How can I support heart health initiatives?
What happens to the funds raised?
The funds raised are used for research, CPR training, and community programs focusing on cardiovascular health.
Key Features of the Pee Dee Heart Walk
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Downtown Florence, South Carolina |
| Participants | Over 1,000 |
| Fundraising Goal | $250,000 |
| Key Focus Areas | Research, CPR training, Community programs |
| Major Sponsors | Honda and other local businesses |
| Statistics Highlighted | 9 out of 10 cardiac arrest patients do not survive outside the hospital |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WPDE: Heart Walk in Florence Unites Community in Fight Against Heart Disease and Stroke
- Wikipedia: Heart Disease
- LocalSYR: Heart Attack Survivor Shares Life-Saving Message Ahead of Syracuse Heart Walk
- Google Search: Heart Health
- WOWT: American Heart Association Highlight Heart Disease Survivors at Omaha Heart Walk
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Heart Attack
- People: Bride Invites Parents of Young Boy Whose Heart She Received in Lifesaving Transplant to Her Wedding
- Google News: Heart Disease Awareness
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
