Joe Dant, Chief Growth Officer at Endeavor Health, and Yvette Saba, President of Edward Hospital and System Executive for the Cardiovascular Institute at Endeavor Health are leading the charge as the 2025 American Heart Association Heart Walk Chair to build a community of lifesavers in Metro Chicago. Under their leadership, top executives throughout the Chicagoland area will unite to recruit companies and organizations to join the Heart Walk, a year-round campaign aimed at raising funds to fight cardiovascular disease while equipping people with the education, knowledge and resources to act in the face of a cardiac emergency by learning CPR.
The American Heart Association, which has been saving lives for more than 100 years has put a spotlight on CPR education as a critical element of the Heart Walk campaign. According to the Association, nine out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital die [1] yet immediate CPR can double or even triple the chances of survival [2]. Saba, Dant, and a team of top executive leaders are committed to ensuring that more people in the Chicagoland area are prepared to respond effectively in these life-or-death situations.
“The Heart Walk gives Chicagoland residents and employees an extraordinary opportunity to address a critical issue in our community” said Brittany Walsh, executive director of the American Heart Association, Chicago. Cardiac arrest can strike anyone, anywhere, and the difference between life and death often hinges on the quick actions of a bystander. Through the Heart Walk, we are not just raising funds; we are raising awareness, enhancing CPR training, and building a network of lifesavers throughout Chicagoland. With Yvette and Joe at the helm, we are confident this year’s campaign will have an even greater impact in saving lives.”
The Heart Walk, active in over 220 cities nationwide, is more than a fundraiser—it’s a movement that drives corporate involvement in the fight against cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in Chicago. This year, companies participating in the Heart Walk will play a crucial role in the American Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers™ initiative, a national effort aimed at doubling cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030.
“As a cardiovascular nurse by trade and an advocate for women’s heart health, chairing the 2025 Metro Chicago Heart Walk is deeply personal to me,” said Saba. “I’ve seen too many women I care about impacted by heart disease, often without warning. This walk is more than a moment—it’s a movement to educate, empower, and save lives. I’m proud to stand with the American Heart Association to make sure every woman knows her risk and her strength.”
“Chairing the Heart Walk is deeply personal for me and my family. Too many lives are changed—or lost—because people don’t know their risk,” said Dant. “That’s why I’m committed to raising awareness, encouraging heart scans, and helping others take action before it’s too late. The American Heart Association’s mission saves lives, and I want as many people as possible to hear that message loud and clear.”
The American Heart Association is a global leader in resuscitation science, education, and training, and the official publisher of CPR guidelines. Through the Nation of Lifesavers initiative, the Association is committed to empowering individuals everywhere to act in the event of a cardiac emergency, making sure that no one is left without the help they need when seconds count. Walgreens has made a $15 million fundraising commitment to support the American Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers™ movement. This multi-year initiative will help expand CPR and AED awareness, education, and training to millions—including Walgreens customers, team members, and communities nationwide,
The year-round Heart Walk campaign will culminate on Friday, September 19th at Soldier Field in Chicago, Saturday, September 20th at Christ Church in Oak Brook, and Sunday, September 21st at Medline Industries in the North Shore. Thousands of participants will walk to save lives while raising essential funds to advance lifesaving research, increase CPR education and training and drive equitable health for all people. Companies interested in participating can contact John Arnao, Vice President of Development at [email protected]. For more information about the Metro Chicago Heart Walks, visit metrochicagoheartwalk.org.
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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.
For Media Inquiries: 630-730-6025
Rachel Klousnitzer; [email protected]
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
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