Heart disease impacts many in the community, but events like America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk are hoping to change that.

"It's just a great, great cause. I'll keep doing it until I can't do it no more,” said Sauquoit resident Debbie Loomis.

Thousands of runners and walkers hit the streets of Utica for this year’s event. Some walk in honor of survivors, like Team Jayden.

"He was born with Down Syndrome and AV canal defects. At six months of age, he had open-heart surgery to repair the defects and the holes in his heart. Ever since then, he's been great,” said Melissa Hanzalik.

Many members of the community continue coming to the event each year. Those who have been impacted by heart disease are grateful for their continued support.

“This is great,” Hanzalik said, “I always look forward to this every year and I always have so much help from all my friends, it’s heart-touching.”

Participants raise money for the American Heart Association.

"I got $1,200, and I usually do over 1,000. I've been doing it for 27 years, it's really a great cause,” said Loomis, who’s been participating for nearly 30 years.

This year, $803,935 was raised to combat heart disease.

"It's going to fund more research for better techniques, it's going to help hospitals provide better care for people. It's really a great thing," said Red Cap Ambassador Robert Miller.