UWF steps up for the Northwest Florida Heart Walk

The University of West Florida and Northwest Florida communities came together in support of the American Heart Association as UWF hosted the 2022 Northwest Florida Heart Walk at the Pensacola campus on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022.

Seventeen companies, 61 teams and 442 walkers raised more than $118,000 to fund life-saving research for the prevention and treatment of heart disease and stroke. UWF’s 32 teams and 140 walkers raised over $14,000, making them the Heart Walk’s top fundraising organization.

UWF President Martha D. Saunders served as the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk Chair for 2022. She said partnering with the American Heart Association for the Heart Walk was a natural extension of the University’s commitment to promoting active, healthy lifestyles for students, faculty and staff as well as the Northwest Florida community.

“It was wonderful to see the community come together right here on our beautiful Pensacola campus to raise awareness about heart health and support critical research,” Saunders said. “Just about everyone has been touched by heart disease in some way. What affects our community members is important to UWF, so we were honored to serve as host for the walk.”

The 3.5 mile course started and ended at UWF’s Canon Green with the majority of the walk taking place among the University’s picturesque natural scenery.

Kylee Crowder was walking in honor of her grandfather who passed earlier this year from a heart attack. “It doesn’t take a lot to go out and do something nice for others,” she said. “A small act of kindness can make a big difference.”

The American Heart Association is dedicated to building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, they fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. 

For more information about the Northwest Florida Heart Walk, visit nwflheartwalk.org.