The 30th Erie Heart Walk is all about raising awareness and remembering those we've lost to heart disease and illnesses.

“As the daughter of someone who passed away from heart disease, and as a healthcare worker, this hits close to home for myself and my family members as well,” said Katie Drapcho. For us at Erie News Now, this year’s heart walk is a special one. We walk in memory of our friend and late sports director, Gary Drapcho. He died of a heart attack in 2020.

His daughter, Katie, says she’s humbled to see so many honor her dad. “While it's so unfortunate his story came to an early end, it's so moving the community is remembering him this way, and we can use this story to raise awareness and help the Erie community prevent unfavorable outcomes," she said.

This year's walk also honors people, like Lottie Allen, who are actively battling heart conditions. She is this year's heart hero.

Lottie was born with an atrial septal defect. She has three holes in her heart and is currently preparing for heart surgery. “Where there's a heartbeat, there's hope. That's kind of been our motto getting us through every day with Lottie," her mom, Christa Allen said.

For Gina Klofft. division director for the American Heart Association, she's proud to see so many people in our region support such an important cause. “It's important what we're doing, but it's so empowering because I get to meet some amazing people, and I get to hear some amazing stories where people overcame health issues because they took an action to improve their health,” she said.

Over $150,000 was raised from this year’s walk for the American Heart Association.