The heart of Miami-Dade beat strong as community members powered through the annual Miami-Dade Heart Walk at loanDepot Park this past weekend. The dual goals of raising funds for heart research and fostering heart health awareness attracted hundreds to participate in activities that included walking, health education, and CPR training. WSVN reported that the event was also a tribute to Dr. Eduardo Salinas, who recently passed away due to a sudden cardiac event, with his family attending in support.
With an impressive fundraising total surpassing $438,000, the Heart Walk also became a platform for education and celebration of survivors. Among those completing the walk was May Perez Johnson, a heart disease survivor, greeted at the finish line with resounding cheers, as she rang a bell signaling her journey of recovery. Johnson underwent open-heart surgery two years prior and was there to support the mission and highlight the possibility of recovery. Speaking with Local 10, Johnson emphasized the necessity of awareness, stating, "There's no age for this," reflecting on how heart disease transcends age groups and the crucial role of family history and education in prevention.
Allyssa Tobitt, CEO of HCA Florida Mercy Hospital, channeled the importance of bystander action in emergencies. "We are here to make sure everyone knows how to do CPR, but most importantly, we are honoring someone, Dr. Eduardo Salinas, who lost his life to a sudden cardiac event this year, and we are here with his family today showing up," she told WSVN. The presence of Salinas' family served as a solemn reminder of the human aspects at the event's core.
Building on the communal spirit, the event offered participants more than just the opportunity to contribute financially. Local health experts provided CPR training and disseminated nutrition information to equip attendees with life-saving skills and knowledge. Besides, Johnson's daughters also exemplified the vigor of familial bonds and the import of education in 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," Gabriella Perez Johnson conveyed her pride and the universal nature of the risk during an interview with Local 10.
