KAHULUI — The American Heart Association (AHA)-Maui Division invites you to put your best foot forward at the 13th annual Maui Start! Heart Walk and Health Fair on Saturday, March 26, from 7 to 11 a.m. at the Keopuolani Park Pit Field.

Did you know that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States? AHA is the nation’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to building healthier lives, free of heart disease and stroke.

The organization aims to improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20 percent by 2020, while reducing deaths from cardiovascular disease and stroke by 20 percent.

You can help AHA achieve its mission by putting your best foot forward at this year’s Maui Start! Heart Walk. Why walk? The answer is simple: by walking, you will not only take the steps toward improving your own health, but also create hope, inspire change and celebrate success — the theme of this year’s event.

The 13th Maui Start! Annual Heart Walk will raise funds to help the AHA-Maui Division continue its support of life-saving research efforts at local institutions, in addition to community-based initiatives that promote cardiovascular disease prevention, treatment and outreach.

Each year, the event celebrates those who have made lifestyle changes and encourages many more to take the pledge to live healthier lives, while raising the dollars needed to fund life-saving research and initiatives. This year’s event goal is $70,000 — and you can help make that happen. All you’ll need to bring is your energy, your passion and your stories — and let your footsteps be heard.

“Heart disease affects us all,” said American Heart Association-Maui Division Executive Director Amy Hampton. “Whether it be a family member, neighbor, co-worker or friend, we have all been affected or touched in some way by this devastating disease.”

The Maui Start! Heart Walk is one way island residents can help combat the effects of heart disease.

“Once again, it is that time of year to encourage your friends and family members to help raise funds for this important cause,” said Hampton. “The Heart Walk committee is enthusiastic about bringing Maui County residents together to increase awareness about cardiovascular diseases, while helping our friends and neighbors live longer, stronger, healthier lives.”

It’s not too late to join an existing team or become an event sponsor or volunteer. Your contribution will create hope, inspire change and celebrate success — and quite possibly, mend a broken heart or two.

For more information, or to sign up for the event, contact Maui Start! Heart Walk Event Coordinator Kauwela Bisquera at (808) 244-7185 or email kauwela.bisquera@heart.org. To learn more about the American Heart Association-Maui Division, visit the event Website at www.mauiheartwalk.org.