In Arizona, heart disease continues to be the number one cause of death year over year. To combat this trend and improve community cardiovascular health, Banner|Aetna proudly sponsored the American Heart Association’s Phoenix Heart Walk on March 18, 2024. The event brought thousands of people together to take part in the annual walk and raised $1,401,998 to fund research, public health campaigns and educational programs.

Arizona business leaders played a significant part in the success of this year’s Heart Walk, including Dan Keller, Banner|Aetna Chief Financial Officer. Keller served in a leadership role on the Heart Walk Executive Leadership Team committee. He also led one of the top five fundraising teams in 2024, bringing in $37,560 to help support the organization’s lifesaving programs.

"Being part of the American Heart Association committee is about bringing our community together for a cause that impacts many of us personally,” said Keller. “Every step we take at the Heart Walk is a step towards a healthier future.”

The Phoenix Heart Walk is deeply significant for many Arizona business leaders, including Banner|Aetna Chief Executive Officer Tom Grote. After he experienced the loss of his father, brother and best friend to heart attacks, he found a passion for promoting heart health in his community. He sits on the board of directors for the American Heart Association Phoenix chapter where he leads efforts to fight cardiovascular disease.

“We all have a part to play in creating a world without heart disease,” Grote reflects. “It’s wonderful to see the Phoenix Heart Walk continue to grow each year as more people get involved.”

As the Arizona community works to tackle the issue of heart disease, initiatives like the Phoenix Heart Walk are important in turning the tide against this devastating condition. The 2024 event brought people together and demonstrated the power of collective action, with thousands of participants raising nearly $1.4 million in vital funds. Thanks to these efforts, the American Heart Association can continue to advance essential work in research and education, ultimately saving lives.

The involvement of Arizona business leaders Dan Keller and Tom Grote underscores Banner|Aetna’s dedication to improving health care throughout the state. As a leading health plan in Arizona, Banner|Aetna is working to reduce barriers to care access and promote better health for all.