With Every Step, A Promise: The Hackensack University Medical Center Heart Team Walks for Their Patients

For the dedicated team at Hackensack University Medical Center's (HUMC) Heart and Vascular Hospital, caring for patients is a mission that extends far beyond the hospital walls. Their commitment was on full display on a beautiful fall morning, Sunday, October 5th, as they gathered at Overpeck County Park for the American Heart Association's 2025 Greater New Jersey Heart Walk.

Among the thousands of participants, a vibrant group of more than 20 stood out, a sea of blue shirts representing the heart of HUMC. They weren't just colleagues; they were a family, joined by their own loved ones and even the team's youngest supporter, a baby girl, happily decked out in red, taking in the day from her stroller.

This is a team accustomed to going above and beyond. While their weekdays are spent providing world-class care, their weekend was dedicated to walking in honor and recognition of the very patients they care for so deeply. Each step they took was a promise to continue the fight against heart disease and stroke.

The team’s spirit of personal care and creativity was clear before the first step was even taken. A talented Team Member had hand-drawn their sign-in sheet, transforming a simple piece of paper into a work of art. Adorned with beautifully sketched hearts, flowers, a playful puppy, and tiny feet, the sheet was a perfect symbol of the team’s warmth and dedication.

As they joined more than a million walkers across the country, the HUMC team was walking for a powerful purpose. They were walking to help fund the lifesaving science that leads to new treatments, to support groundbreaking research that saves the lives of babies born with congenital heart defects, and to raise awareness about the nation's No. 1 killer.

The smiles captured in photos from the day tell the whole story. They are smiles of pride, of community, and of a shared purpose. For the Heart and Vascular Hospital team, this walk wasn't an obligation—it was a heartfelt expression of their unwavering commitment. They don't just mend hearts; they walk with them, every step of the way.