WORCESTER, Mass. — Local heroes were celebrated Saturday as part of the American Heart Association's Heart and Stroke Walk in Worcester.

Participants walked around Fitton Field for their first year at the park. The American Heart Association says the walk is their largest community-facing initiative in Central Massachusetts. It raises critical funds for research, increases CPR education and training and helps to drive equitable health for all people by raising awareness.

"Heart health is still the number one killer in the United States, as well as in Worcester," Brian Shankey, executive director of the nonprofit's Northern New England division, said. " We've made amazing strides over the course of 100 years to combat heart heath. New technologies, all kinds of therapies, which have been raised through money donated to the mission. This is the centennial year of the organization, so we're looking forward to another 100 years of making a big impact."

"My dad had a heart attack. My grandmother passed away from a heart attack, so today is just kind of celebrating and honoring them," walk participant Ryan Messina said. "I think we need to have more awareness of heart issues and AED use, CPR instruction and I think the world will be a safer place."

The nonprofit said heart disease used to be a death sentence, but scientific advances have made it preventable and treatable.