Thousands unite in the Capital Region to build a community of lifesavers
June 09, 2025
The American Heart Association Heart Walk promotes CPR readiness, celebrates survivors, drives critical cardiovascular research
Albany, N.Y., June 8, 2025—More than 1,500 people gathered at the Capital Region Heart Walk and Run on Sunday, June 8, at the University at Albany, raising more than $400,000 to further the American Heart Association’s lifesaving mission. Nine out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside the hospital don’t survive—a sobering statistic that underscores the Heart Walk’s urgent call to action: fundraise, learn CPR and take action to save lives.
In addition to raising critical funds, the Capital Region Heart Walk brought together heart disease and stroke survivors, as well as participants from 64 local companies, to unite in the mission to save lives. Every walker or runner who joined the Heart Walk, every dollar donated, means more people trained in lifesaving CPR, more research and more lifesaving moments for everyone.
“The Heart Walk is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together,” said Brian O’Grady, president and CEO of CDPHP and volunteer chair of the Heart Walk. This was the fifth event that O’Grady has chaired for the American Heart Association, but this year was different. “CDPHP has always been a proud supporter of the American Heart Association, and I have always believed in its mission of helping people live longer, healthier lives. This year, that mission became deeply personal. In March, I underwent quintuple bypass surgery. I’m here today thanks to the life-saving research, innovation, and care made possible by events like this.”
15-year-old Darin Vail, a varsity bowler at Coxsackie-Athens High School, was the Heart Hero of the Heart Walk. Darin and his team raised more than $15,000 for the Heart Walk.
“I was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, which means that the left side of my heart didn’t develop properly,” Darin said. “I also have a pacemaker. I’ve been part of the American Heart Association’s Cardiac Kids group since I was little. The work of the American Heart Association helps me and other kids like me, born with congenital heart defects.”
Emily May of Albany also shared her story of surviving a stroke 10 years ago.
“Doctors didn’t expect me to live, but I volunteer and have gone on cruises,” May said.
The top companies at the Heart Walk, based on fundraising, include:
The top community teams, based on fundraising, are:
Donations will be accepted until June 30 at CapitalRegionHeartWalk.org.
About the Capital Region Heart Walk and Run
The Capital Region Heart Walk and Run is set for Sunday, June 8, at the University at Albany, 1400 Washington Ave., Albany. Events will start at the Physical Education Building. Brian O’Grady, president and CEO of CDPHP, is the chair. Darin Vail, 15, born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, is the Heart Hero. Emily May is the Stroke Ambassador. Tom Eschen of CBS 6 and Meredith McNeil of B95.5 will emcee. Registration for the 5K run opens at 7 a.m. and the run begins at 8 a.m. Walk activities begin at 9 a.m. The Walk program begins at 10:15 a.m. and the Walk steps off at 10:30 a.m. Walkers can join a 1- or 3-mile route. For information, to register, or donate, visit CapitalRegionHeartWalk.org. Sponsors include Broadview Federal Credit Union, Albany Med Health System, MVP, The Times Union, CBS 6 and B 95.5.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
Albany, N.Y., June 8, 2025—More than 1,500 people gathered at the Capital Region Heart Walk and Run on Sunday, June 8, at the University at Albany, raising more than $400,000 to further the American Heart Association’s lifesaving mission. Nine out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside the hospital don’t survive—a sobering statistic that underscores the Heart Walk’s urgent call to action: fundraise, learn CPR and take action to save lives.
In addition to raising critical funds, the Capital Region Heart Walk brought together heart disease and stroke survivors, as well as participants from 64 local companies, to unite in the mission to save lives. Every walker or runner who joined the Heart Walk, every dollar donated, means more people trained in lifesaving CPR, more research and more lifesaving moments for everyone.
“The Heart Walk is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together,” said Brian O’Grady, president and CEO of CDPHP and volunteer chair of the Heart Walk. This was the fifth event that O’Grady has chaired for the American Heart Association, but this year was different. “CDPHP has always been a proud supporter of the American Heart Association, and I have always believed in its mission of helping people live longer, healthier lives. This year, that mission became deeply personal. In March, I underwent quintuple bypass surgery. I’m here today thanks to the life-saving research, innovation, and care made possible by events like this.”
15-year-old Darin Vail, a varsity bowler at Coxsackie-Athens High School, was the Heart Hero of the Heart Walk. Darin and his team raised more than $15,000 for the Heart Walk.
“I was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, which means that the left side of my heart didn’t develop properly,” Darin said. “I also have a pacemaker. I’ve been part of the American Heart Association’s Cardiac Kids group since I was little. The work of the American Heart Association helps me and other kids like me, born with congenital heart defects.”
Emily May of Albany also shared her story of surviving a stroke 10 years ago.
“Doctors didn’t expect me to live, but I volunteer and have gone on cruises,” May said.
The top companies at the Heart Walk, based on fundraising, include:
- Broadview Federal Credit Union
- Albany Med Health System
- Saratoga Hospital
The top community teams, based on fundraising, are:
- Vera’s Victory
- Team Vinny
- Heart Heroes
Donations will be accepted until June 30 at CapitalRegionHeartWalk.org.
About the Capital Region Heart Walk and Run
The Capital Region Heart Walk and Run is set for Sunday, June 8, at the University at Albany, 1400 Washington Ave., Albany. Events will start at the Physical Education Building. Brian O’Grady, president and CEO of CDPHP, is the chair. Darin Vail, 15, born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, is the Heart Hero. Emily May is the Stroke Ambassador. Tom Eschen of CBS 6 and Meredith McNeil of B95.5 will emcee. Registration for the 5K run opens at 7 a.m. and the run begins at 8 a.m. Walk activities begin at 9 a.m. The Walk program begins at 10:15 a.m. and the Walk steps off at 10:30 a.m. Walkers can join a 1- or 3-mile route. For information, to register, or donate, visit CapitalRegionHeartWalk.org. Sponsors include Broadview Federal Credit Union, Albany Med Health System, MVP, The Times Union, CBS 6 and B 95.5.
# # #
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
