Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in Greater New Orleans and David Theard, employee benefits consultant at Cadence Insurance, is working hand-in-hand with the American Heart Association to change that. Theard will serve as chairperson for the 2023 New Orleans Heart Walk and lead this community event focused on engaging local companies, corporations, and their employees to join the fight against heart disease and stroke.
The 2023 New Orleans Heart Walk will begin at 9 a.m. on Nov. 18 at the Shrine on Airline – Lot E. At 8 a.m.
As chair of the 2023 Heart Walk, Theard will lead a team of eight Greater New Orleans executives to recruit companies and organizations in raising $300,000. Through this event, the leadership team and supporting organizations will raise funds for the American Heart Association while leading action-oriented conversations about employee health, corporate engagement, community health, and community transformation. The executive committee members include:
-Kyle Sharbonno – Gootee Construction
-Natalie Naquin – Cornerstone Chemical Company
-Eric Jones – AT&T
-Rob Folse – Design the Planet
-Cliff Worley
-Katie Baumer – Gallo Mechanical
-Lauren Marshall – Woodward Design+Build
-Karl Weber – Atmos Energy
"I am excited to serve as chairman of the 2023 New Orleans Heart Walk and to be involved with such an important mission. Focusing on heart health can be tough in our great city, and the American Heart Association, through the Heart Walk and its other great events, puts heart health at the forefront of our minds,” said Theard.
“In addition, as we saw recently with the cardiac event experienced by Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin, anyone at any time can experience a life-threatening cardiovascular issue. The CPR methods used to save Damar Hamlin's life are integral to lifesaving efforts in many situations. The American Heart Association is at the forefront of ensuring communities throughout the New Orleans area have access to the CPR tools and training needed to continue this lifesaving work," Theard added.
The funds raised at the walk supports the mission of the American Heart Association to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives while supporting priority issues in Greater New Orleans.
For more information about the Heart Walk, or to get your company involved, contact AHANewOrleans@heart.org.