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Heart Walk Raises Awareness in C'ville

Posted: 4:17 PM Oct 13, 2012
Reporter: Jessica Cunnington

Heart Walk Raises Awareness in C'Ville

October 13, 2012

Hundreds walked at their own pace Saturday morning at Peter Jefferson Place to raise awareness for cardiovascular diseases.

The annual Heart Walk attracted hundreds to Pantops. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.

One family says they never knew much about heart diseases or defects until their daughter was born with one. She's about to have her second open-heart surgery.

"It's really hard to let her go when they take her back. The only thing I can think about is holding her," Kendra Butler, who walked for her daughter on Saturday. "Today was great, we're raising awareness She's a survivor and a fighter and shes just amazing," said Butler.

The American Heart Association currently funds more than $2 million in grants at UVa. to increase knowledge about cardiovascular diseases right here in Charlottesville.