Thousands gathered at Jones Beach Saturday for the American Heart Association’s 2025 Long Island Heart Walk, raising money to fight heart disease and stroke.

Mary Lee, a stroke survivor, shared how quick action by doctors saved her life.

“I had no warning,” she said. “I thank everyone at Stony Brook Hospital.”

About 5,000 people participated in the walk, including families honoring loved ones lost to heart disease. Lisa Bruno walked in memory of her father, who died of congestive heart failure in 2019.

“The year my dad passed, between 2019 and 2020, I know at least three other families who lost loved ones to heart disease, very suddenly,” Bruno said.

Katie Gurba walked for her late husband Dan, who died of heart failure at just 30 years old.

“He was the best person there absolutely was…Just seeing the love and support of everyone who knew him, that’s what it’s about. Keeping his memory alive and supporting the American Heart Association,” Gurba said. Her family has raised thousands of dollars since he died.

This year’s walk also emphasized CPR training, encouraging participants to “Be the Help Until Help Arrives.”

“Events like this allow us to educate the community and really empower people to feel equipped and ready,” said Tara Lee Schneider, executive director for the American Heart Association on Long Island.

Organizers say the event raised more than $640,000, making it the most successful fundraising year yet for the Long Island Heart Walk.