America's Greatest Heart Run and Walk stepped off at Utica College, Saturday morning. Thousands of people, of all ages, took part in the 45th annual fundraiser for the American Heart Association.

The money will help fund a number of things like research and patient care. The event also raises awareness for heart health issues like heart disease and stroke.

A number of survivors were on hand to share their stories.

"They had to go in and open up the middle and open up the heart," said Paul Ohlbaum of New Hartford. "It was a complicated thing. I was down and out for six months. It was a while before I could even walk again."

Five-year-old Jaxon was as energetic as anyone. Running around with his friends before the Heart Run and Walk at Utica College, it’s hard to tell he had open heart surgery at two days old, which is why he’s one of this year's red cap ambassadors.

"This amazing community — this walk and race — just to raise awareness and raise funds for future funds and medical advancements," said Cindy Hayes, Jaxon’s mom, "without it, I don’t think he would be as far as he is today."

Events range from an 18 mile run to the most-popular, three mile walk. Only a few people in the crowd were at the inaugural event 45 years ago.

"I feel proud," Ohlbaum, 84, said, who has only missed a handful of races. "I'll probably be the oldest one here, but whatever. It goes way back to when I ran the first one. I didn’t know what it was going to be. I never believed it would turn out to be such a big thing.

Organizers are hoping to raise more than a million dollars. You can donate here.