GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) – Smiles, cheers and music filled Jones Park Saturday as thousands of people lined up one by one for the American Heart Association’s 33rd annual Heart Walk.

“It’s an amazing feeling to have this tremendous community support,” said American Heart Association Executive Director Christin Leboeuf. “To all our donors, sponsors and all the businesses up and down the coast. There is representation from Bay St. Louis to Pascagoula. Everyone is here this morning and it’s an amazing feeling to know that so many people care about the health of our community.”

Leboeuf says the walk represents a strong fight for those struggling with heart complications, raising hundreds of dollars for crucial research, treatment and more.

“As of this (Saturday) morning, we have raised over $303,000 with so much more still coming,” Leboeuf said. “People continue to raise money, businesses continue to complete their fundraising efforts, and we are thrilled to have not only met but exceeded our goal. It’s a long way.”

Many people took part in the march because they suffered from heart disease.

“The reason I’m doing this is because of my father,” Quang Tran said. “He had heart surgery, so I do it every year.”

Companies are also trying to support their affected employees.

“We have a lot of people in our line of work who have survived heart disease, so we want to be able to contribute to that,” said Teresa Roberts, human resources manager for U.S. Marines Inc.

From walking to obstacle courses, participants not only raised awareness and funds for cardiovascular disease, but also learned life-saving skills.

“The walkers are having a great time,” Leboeuf said. “They learn how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation. They learn how to live healthier lives and become more active.”

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