social impact: WHY WE WALK

Every step can help save a life. The American Heart Association’s Lowcountry Heart Walk brings the community together to celebrate survivors, honor loved ones lost to heart disease and stroke, and support the work still ahead. Funds raised help advance lifesaving research, expand CPR education and training, and promote healthier communities.

Saturday, February 27, 2027

The Joe — Charleston RiverDogs Stadium

Family- and dog-friendly

lowcountryscheartwalk.org

Need a reason to walk?

For many participants, the reason is deeply personal.

On December 31, 2023, 20-year-old Callum DiCenso was walking his two dogs through his Boston neighborhood when he suddenly collapsed. Callum had never been diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy and, according to his mother, Kara Connolly, had shown no signs or symptoms. A passing driver noticed the dogs running loose, followed them and called 911—but tragically, Callum could not be resuscitated.

“CPR could not save my boy, but it can save others,” says Connolly, a longtime Boston Police detective whose own colleagues responded to the call that night.

Callum’s story is now part of the reason his family walks. After moving to the Charleston area, Callum’s sister Riley formed a Heart Walk team. Next February will mark the family’s third consecutive year participating.

For Connolly, the walk is about turning unimaginable loss into awareness. “We wanted to spread the word about cardiomyopathy, how it can be a silent killer,” she says. It is also about making sure others know that CPR can—and does—save lives.

The generosity surrounding the team has been equally meaningful. The first year Connolly reached out to her Boston Police Department, she raised more than $4,000 in less than 24 hours. Family and friends have continued to rally around them.

Today, there is both joy and absence in the Connolly family. Riley recently welcomed a son, Rory Callum, giving the family “something good” to celebrate while reminding them of the person who will never be there to share it. “Every joy our family experiences will always have a Callum-sized heartbreaking absence,” Connolly says.

Her message to those considering the Heart Walk is simple: “Please think of my beautiful, brilliant boy.”

More Reasons to Take a Step

The Snell Family walks for Gunner, who was born with multiple critical congenital heart defects that required open heart surgery. He has shown incredible strength from day one and his family walks to raise awareness for other congenital heart warriors.

 Alyssa Gannon walks after surviving a heart attack and cardiac arrest at just 34 years old. She shares her story to help others recognize the warning signs, take action, and listen to their bodies.

Trip Ritchie walks as a survivor of cardiac arrest and a widow-maker heart attack—an event from which he survived because of CPR. His mission is to educate others about the importance of knowing CPR and making heart-healthy choices.

One walk. Many reasons. One shared goal: to save lives.