DC Residents Attend National Heart Walk

Story and photo by Maestro Joyner.

What a workout! On November 4th I volunteered at the 2023 Washington DC Heart Walk run by the American Heart Association. The walk was located at the National Mall, between 9th and 12th Street. To fulfill my community service hours I volunteered at the information tent where I offered resources to attendees. The event had healthy foods and drinks, a kids zone, a pet parade, photo booth, and a tribute area where friends and family could pay tribute to loved ones who have or had heart disease or strokes.

Participants paid tribute by wearing red hats for heart disease or white hats for strokes. Plus, they could also sign the tribute wall to celebrate why they were walking. Heart disease and strokes have taken the lives of thousands of Americans, and the fact that many organizations and sponsors like Capital One, Leidos, Science Applications International Corporation, Peraton, and Kaiser Permanente came together to raise $1,829,488 for those in need is very important—not just to the individuals suffering from these health problems, but their families as well.

This day was a part of the Week of Wellness, which started October 30th. The American Heart Association will continue to help people that have heart disease, strokes, or any other heart condition. Survivors are the heart of each walk, and they continue to shine and overcome any challenge. You can donate to, or learn more about, the American Heart Association here.

Maestro Joyner is a junior at Friendship Collegiate Academy.