Tulsa Heart Walk kicks off for 2023
TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — Another year brings back the Tulsa Heart Walk at the ONEOK Field, celebrating heart and stroke survivors, raising funds, and encouraging physical activity.
The American Heart Association, the leading voluntary health organization focused on heart and brain health for all, invited Tulsans and surrounding communities to its premier event to boost physical and mental health through healthy habits while supporting its mission.
The Tulsa Heart Walk is the signature event of the American Heart Association’s Heart Challenge program which is designed to help companies positively impact employees' overall health and well-being.
This year's walk is led by Matthew Gleeson, director of healthcare for the Tulsa Division of Crossland Construction Co.
“The past years have shown us that no matter where we are, we can come together for a common cause,” Gleeson said. “The Heart Walk is all about promoting the health and well-being of our community and supporting the AHA’s mission to save lives.”
Gleeson said he grew up in Utah but his family moved to the Tulsa area in time for him to graduate from Jenks High School. Gleeson lived in California for 13 years before moving back to Tulsa to work with Crossland Construction, where he has worked for the past eight years.
He said while heart disease is not completely preventable, awareness and research can help reduce the impact it has on many people.
“The AHA’s focus on heart disease helps to do just that, through research grants, information and events such as the Heart Walk," said Gleeson.
The funds raised from the Tulsa Heart Walk will go towards research, advocacy, CPR training, and promoting better health in support of the Association’s 2024 Health Equity Impact Goal.
