Held in the United States at the end of September each year, the Cleveland Heart Walk brings people together to support the prevention of heart disease and stroke. This year, the marketing team from Pepperl+Fuchs in Twinsburg also took part, joining forces to raise awareness of heart health. In this interview, Ryan shares what made the day special—and why the cause is so personal to him.
Hello, Ryan. What is the Cleveland Heart Walk?
The Cleveland Heart Walk is an annual American Heart Association event that brings the community together to support heart disease and stroke prevention, raise funds for research and education, celebrate survivors, and promote lifesaving skills such as CPR. The event also emphasizes the importance of physical activity and healthy living.
Together for an important cause
How many people took part, and how long was the route?
Approximately 3,000 people were expected to participate in the event, which featured one-mile and three-mile routes along the scenic Cuyahoga River. Nine Pepperl+Fuchs employees took part, along with several employees’ spouses. Before the walk, our team was able to walk around the pavilion and learn more about heart-disease prevention and the steps people can take to protect their cardiovascular health. These include staying physically active, eating a heart-healthy diet, and monitoring important health factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. We also learned the importance of recognizing warning signs and speaking with a doctor about personal or family risk factors. After the walk, our team enjoyed lunch together in the area.
Heart health effects everyone
Why did you decide to take part in this Walk?
Our marketing team wanted to support heart-health awareness and contribute to an important cause that affects so many families. It was also a good opportunity for our department to participate in a charitable event together and strengthen our team through a shared experience. For me taking part had a much deeper meaning: In the summer of 2024, I began noticing discomfort in my upper chest whenever I did activities that raised my heart rate. In the end I had to undergo an open-heart surgery. That experience made participating in the Heart Walk especially meaningful to me and reinforced the importance of listening to your body, understanding your risk factors, and seeking medical attention when something does not feel right.
What was the atmosphere like at the event?
We were lucky to have a nice sunny day for the event. The atmosphere was energetic, supportive, and inspiring. Participants came together as coworkers, families, friends, survivors, and supporters, creating a strong sense of community and shared purpose. The beautiful day provided us a good chance to walk, talk, and connect with colleagues outside of the usual workplace environment.
A mix of exercise, connection, and team spirit
Was there a particular moment during the walk that touched or surprised you?
Seeing so many people gathered to support heart health was especially meaningful. I was touched by the presence of heart-disease survivors and by the personal stories that people shared. It was a reminder that every participant represented a different experience, but everyone was united by the goal of saving lives and improving heart health. I was also encouraged by how many colleagues, families, and community members came together for the cause.
How much money did you raise through your participation?
Our Pepperl+Fuchs marketing team raised more than $1,000. I am very grateful to the employees who donated and helped support this important cause.
