Detroit, Mich., January 13, 2025 — Bill Lichwalla, president and CEO of Plante Moran Realpoint, will lead the charge as the 2025 American Heart Association Heart Walk chair to build a community of lifesavers in Detroit. Under Lichwalla’s leadership, top executives throughout Southeast Michigan will unite to recruit companies and organizations to join the Heart Walk, a year-round campaign aimed at raising funds to fight cardiovascular disease while equipping people with the education, knowledge, and resources to act in the face of a cardiac emergency by learning CPR.
The American Heart Association, celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service in 2024, has put a spotlight on CPR education as a critical element of the Heart Walk campaign. According to the Association, nine out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital die yet immediate CPR can double or even triple the chances of survival. Lichwalla and a team of top executive leaders are committed to ensuring that more people in Southeast Michigan are prepared to respond effectively in these life-or-death situations.
“The Heart Walk gives Detroit residents and employees an extraordinary opportunity to address a critical issue in our community,” said Renee Rubenstein, associate vice president of development of the Heart Walk at the American Heart Association – Southeast Michigan.
“Cardiac arrest can strike anyone, anywhere, and the difference between life and death often hinges on the quick actions of a bystander. Through the Heart Walk, we are not just raising funds; we are raising awareness, enhancing CPR training, and building a network of lifesavers throughout Detroit. With Bill at the helm, we are confident this year’s campaign will have an even greater impact in saving lives,” said Rubenstein.
The Heart Walk, active in over 220 cities nationwide, is more than a fundraiser — it’s a movement that drives corporate involvement in the fight against cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in Michigan. This year, companies participating in the Heart Walk will play a crucial role in the American Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers™ initiative, a national effort aimed at doubling cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030. By joining the Heart Walk, companies are helping to turn the Southeast Michigan community from bystanders into lifesavers, ensuring that when a cardiac emergency occurs, there is someone ready to step in and make a difference.
“I am honored to serve as the chair the 2025 Heart & Stroke Walk and support the American Heart Association’s mission to equitably impact the health of others,” said Lichwalla. “So many of our staff, their families, and their friends are impacted by heart disease every year. I am incredibly proud our firm can play a small role in raising needed funds for heart health awareness, research, portable defibrillators, and CPR training so others can live longer, healthier lives.”
The American Heart Association is a global leader in resuscitation science, education, and training, and the official publisher of CPR guidelines. Through the Nation of Lifesavers initiative, the association is committed to empowering individuals everywhere to act in the event of a cardiac emergency, making sure that no one is left without the help they need when seconds count.
How to participate
The year-round Heart Walk campaign will culminate on June 7, 2025, at Wayne State University’s Keast Commons, where participants will walk to save lives while raising essential funds to advance lifesaving research, increase CPR education and training, and drive equitable health for all people. For more information about the Detroit Heart Walk, visit the event page at heart.org.
Every person who joins, every dollar donated, means more people trained in lifesaving CPR, more research, and more lifesaving moments for everyone. To learn more about getting involved, contact Kelsie at Kelsie.Arlin@heart.org or 248.345.9878.
Companies interested in participating can contact Renee Rubenstein at Renee.Rubenstein@heart.org.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments as we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
About Plante Moran Realpoint
As a full-service real estate advisor, Plante Moran Realpoint is built different. The firm’s comprehensive, end-to-end, industry-specific specialization spans clients’ real estate needs, from consulting and transactions to capital projects and development advisory. Its team has guided clients across the public and private sectors through millions of square feet of real estate transactions and $1 billion in investment real estate transactions. It is currently acting as an owner’s representative for more than $5 billion in active construction projects. With Plante Moran Realpoint, clients make well-informed real estate decisions, achieve their milestones and flourish in great spaces. Realize what it means to be built different at pmrealpoint.com.
