Posted on 04/13/2021
Lisa Vaca and family
Lisa Vaca (fourth from left) and family

PITTSBURGH, PA--The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation is once again participating in the annual Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community. The 2021 Virtual Highmark Walk is an online only virtual walk and fundraiser. Participants may take their first steps anytime—by walking on a treadmill, in a park, or around their neighborhood. Participants may also opt to simply make a donation. Highmark organizes and underwrites all costs associated with the event, so the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation and other participating nonprofits keep 100 percent of the funds raised by their supporters.

Walkers can register and donate now. The person or team that raises the most for the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation will receive an automated external defibrillator.

Last year’s AED winner was Lisa Vaca, of Joliet, Illinois, who walked with her father, a survivor, and their family. “This cause is very near and dear to our hearts,” said Lisa, “as our father was saved in 2017 when he suffered a SCA just before getting into bed. Thankfully my sister heard the boom from his fall, acted quickly and started CPR on him until EMTs arrived and shocked him three times with the AED. After nine scary days (for us) in the ICU, they were able to take him off sedation, and start therapy, and we are all lucky enough to have more time with him. Since then, we’ve shared so many happy memories and now we all completed this 5K together with many other supportive family and friends supporting virtually!”

According to Susan Koeppen, SCAF's National Spokesperson, “Participating in this walk is a great way to support the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation and all the amazing work they do for survivors and their families. Organizations like the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation are crucial to survivors like me--and our families. They give us much needed resources. I support the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation. Every step I take will help another survivor like me!” 

The 2021 campaign will be open until July 15, 2021 at 5pm ET.

To register or donate, click here.

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