More than 400 participants gathered at the Lancaster Barnstormers' stadium in Lancaster on the morning of Sept. 25 for the annual Lancaster Heart Walk. Although the event had fewer participants than in previous years, it raised close to $115,000 for the American Heart Association, a voluntary organization focused on heart and brain health and promoting physical and mental health through healthy habits.

The participants included heart disease survivors and their family members, who wore their commemorative Heart Walk baseball caps and Heart Hero capes, as well as local company teams. The teams from Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, Fulton Bank and Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories led as the top fundraising companies.

Participant Terrie Byrd began supporting the Lancaster Heart Walk seven years ago. This year, Terrie raised more than $6,800, earning her the Top Walker title for raising the most of any individual participant. Her team, Lancaster General Health Cass's Heart Throbs, also topped the team fundraising leaderboard with $7,619 raised. Byrd noted that her family has a history of heart disease.

After a brief opening ceremony, walkers took off on a 1.5-mile loop walk around the baseball stadium. Supporters who were unable to attend the Heart Walk in person were encouraged to walk on their own path. The American Heart Association encourages anyone who wishes to support the Heart Walk, but was unable to attend the event in person, to walk where they are and share their walk on social media using #LancasterHeartWalk.

The funds raised at events like the Heart Walk support the American Heart Association's mission, including advocating for public policy to improve community health, advancing the science of CPR, improving outcomes for heart and stroke patients, and investing in cardiovascular research that has led to life-saving advancements in prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.

Donations to help the American Heart Association reach its $157,500 goal for the Lancaster Heart Walk will be accepted through Monday, Oct. 25. Visit http://www.heart.org/lancasterwalk to learn more and make a donation.