Emmie Wilson, 5, and her sister Elesea, 3, support the Vanderbilt team during the American Heart Association Heart Walk held Sunday at Vanderbilt. Dana Johnson
Heart Walk
Natchez Trace was filled with approximately 10,000 people at the start of this year's Heart Walk. Dana Johnson
Dr. Daniel Beauchamp and his daughter Bryn, 11, enjoy watching the Titans game before the start of the Heart Walk Sunday. Beauchamp wore a red cap as a survivor of heart disease. Dana Johnson
Members of the Vanderbilt team turn the corner in front of Medical Center North toward the end of the two-mile route. Dana Johnson
The money is still rolling in — but it appears that the Nashville Heart Walk will net close to $1 million in its fight against heart disease and stroke as well as provide funding for public and professional education and community service programs.
“Right now the overall walk has raised just under $1 million,” said Aaron Bishop, director of the Heart Walk at the Nashville American Heart Association. “This year saw a dramatic increase in walkers and funds, more than the normal.”
The walk, held Oct. 19 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, saw more than 10,000 walkers with nearly 200 companies represented. Last year’s walk brought in $797,000 with 7,000 participants.
“I really think the turnout was a combination of a couple of different things including good weather and the Jumbo Tron so fans could also watch the Titans game,” Bishop said.
He also said that if Nashville does hit the $1 million mark, it would be one of three cities to do so. Seattle and Detroit have already garnered that distinction this year.
“This walk has always been one of the top 10 in the nation,” Bishop said of Nashville. “And this year, we grew by leaps and bounds.”