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The annual Pike County Heart Walk and related activities will be from 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday at the Troy Sportsplex on Enzor Road in Troy. Everyone is invited to be a part of this event that benefits the American Heart Association.

Tracey Davis and Teresa Doty, 2020 Pike County Chapter of the American Heart Association co-chairs, said statistics provide the hard facts as to why Pike Countians should support the annual Pike County Heart Walk.

“Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States,” the co-chairs said. “One person dies every 37 seconds in the United States from cardiovascular disease. About 647,000 Americans die from heart disease each year, that is one in every four deaths.”

That’s why we walk, they said.

The Heart Walk is an opportunity for the people of Pike County to be involved in helping reduce the number of deaths caused by heart disease and stroke.

Survivors of heart attack and stroke will have the honor of making the first lap around the track Thursday night. Caregivers of the survivors will join their family members or friends on the second lap; then,  all others will be invited to join the Pike County Heart Walk.

“Those who participate will be treated to a healthy meal and will also have a chance at taking home really nice door prizes,” Davis said. “Two of our sponsors are involved in the Heart Walk. Walmart donates the food and Horn Beverage donates the water. Employees from the Walmart DC in Brundidge will be on hand to prepare the food.”

The co-chairs expressed appreciation to the Pike County Heart Walk sponsors who make possible the annual event that benefits the American Heart Association.

“Year after year, they have donated to the Pike County Chapter of the American Heart Association,” Doty said. “The money that is raised is sent to the American Heart Association where it is used in the fight against heart disease and stroke, through research and awareness.”

Davis said out of each $100 donated, only 7.1 percent is for administrative costs.

“More than 80 percent is used for research and education,” she said.

Those who are unable to attend, the Pike County Heart Walk on Thursday but would like to support the Heart Walk may send donations to the Pike County Heart Walk c/o Tracey Davis, P.O. Box 967, Troy, Al 36081.