Miami-Dade Heart Walk brings community together for awareness, recovery

HIALEAH, Fla. — The Miami-Dade Heart Walk was underway Saturday morning at loanDepot Park, bringing together survivors, families and community leaders to support the American Heart Association and raise awareness about heart disease.

The annual event featured walks, speeches, health education and activities focused on prevention, recovery and lifesaving skills. Survivors crossing the finish line were greeted with cheers as they rang a bell to celebrate their recovery.

Local 10’s Linnie Supall was at the event, where she spoke with heart disease survivor Bay Perez-Johnson, who underwent open-heart surgery two years ago and returned this year to complete the walk.

“I’m happy to support the mission of the American Heart Association. And I love how to see communities together come together of all ages that we see walking through here just to make awareness of heart disease and how important it is for everybody to talk about this and so we can see more survivors every year,” Perez-Johnson said.

Perez-Johnson said shortness of breath was the primary warning sign that led her to seek medical care. She said doctors later diagnosed severe stenosis of her aortic valve, which required surgery.

“It is so imperative that we get checked out early on,” she said.

Johnson also spoke about the impact heart disease has across all age groups, noting that awareness and family history play a critical role in prevention.

“There’s no age for this,” she said. “It’s just to talk about it, family history, when you go to the doctor, they’re always asking you just keep aware of this, talk about it, nothing to be ashamed about.”

Her daughters were also in attendance, showing support and emphasizing the importance of education and early detection.

“Honestly, just seeing how strong she’s been after her heart surgery, just being there supporting her and getting educated, you know, it can happen to any of us at any age,” one daughter said. “We’re so proud of her.”

In addition to the walk, organizers offered CPR training, nutrition education and wellness resources aimed at turning bystanders into lifesavers and promoting healthier lifestyles.

Click here for more information on the walk and how you can contribute.

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