This Heart Month, the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, invites the Crossroads community to participate in the 2026 Crossroads Heart and Stroke Walk at Riverside Park Saturday, Feb. 7, at 8 a.m.
The event brings together heart disease and stroke survivors, participants from local companies and other community members for the new Crossroads Heart and Stroke Walk experience — a participantcentered event focused on CPR readiness and community impact. A variety of activities will take place in the Be Extraordinary area as participants practice Hands-Only CPR and commit to simple heart-healthy steps, followed by an opening ceremony before the walk begins.
“Raising awareness of heart health and CPR is crucial to helping people live longer, healthier lives,” said Haley Willemin, American Heart Association volunteer cochair and president at Prosperity Bank Victoria North. “By equipping more people with the skills needed to save a life, we’re turning bystanders into lifesavers.”
“Heart disease is one of the major contributors of death in our communities. The Heart and Stroke Walk is an opportunity for our community to come together to act,” said Felicia Harral, volunteer cochair. I encourage everyone to join us at Riverside Park to take steps toward healthier lives and make a lasting impact.”
This year’s Heart and Stroke Walk is expected to draw hundreds of attendees to support the mission of the Association and raise approximately $125,000 for lifesaving cardiovascular research, education and advocacy across the region. Heart Walk is the Association’s largest communityfacing initiative, reaching more than 10 million people nationwide each year. Through fundraising, community education and corporate engagement, Heart Walk aims to enhance CPR training accessibility, bolster bystander preparedness, increase funding for cardiovascular research and drive equitable health for all people.
Set to begin at 8 a.m., the Crossroads Heart and Stroke Walk is a familyfriendly event open to walkers of all ages and fitness levels. To learn Hands-Only CPR, donate or register as an individual or start a team, visit CrossroadsHeart-Walk.org.
The Crossroads Heart and Stroke Walk is locally sponsored by the City of Victoria, AEP Texas, DeTar Healthcare System, Prosperity Bank, H-E-B and Victoria Emergency Associates.
