Walking to promote healthy hearts - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Underneath a bright blue sky, more than 8,000 walkers and runners, filled White River State park for the Indianapolis Heart Walk.

Heart Disease is the leading killer in the US affecting one out three Americans. It doesn't discriminate by gender or by age. That was evident in the stories from each and every participant like LeTita Benson-Heeter who is a stroke survivor.

There was also the family of survivors like Maya Wills was who was only seven days old when she had her first heart surgery.

"We found out about four days after she was born that she had a co rotation of her aorta which means it was almost completely shut," said her mother, Nikki Wills.

Now five years old, Maya who recently underwent open heart surgery is on the road to recovery.

Sadly, Not everyone is as fortunate.

Lana Harves lost her sister 37-year-old sister Darla without any warning.

"She had no symptoms, we don't have a family history and she died from heart disease," said Harves.

Sudden cardiac arrest also claimed the life of Angie Croft who was just a few days shy of her 32nd birthday. Her best friend Rachael Schroeder walked on Saturday with Tangiers family.

"It could be any one of us at any time so we have to take care of ourselves" said Schroeder.

According to the American Heart Association, being heart healthy isn't just about one day or one event it's about making lifelong lifestyle changes. That includes making dietary changes, adding exercise and getting regular check ups. Mylifecheck.org is a quick and easy resource to make those necessary changes.

Amy Kinnaman and her family now lives healthier lives thanks to two year old Bailey.

"Bailey had heart surgery at six-days-old she had an interrupted aortic arch repair then she had open heart surgery at seven-months-old," said Kinnaman.

With no more surgeries in sight, her prognosis is good.

"It's just a blessing to have her everyday look up at me and hold me and be here to brighten my life every day," Kinnaman said.

And a reminder to us all of just how important it is to take our health to heart.