Step by step Saturday, thousands walked to ward off heart disease, it's the cause behind one in every four deaths in America.

Locally, the American Heart Association raised $425,000. "Raising funds, making it possible for people like myself not to have a death sentence, a life sentence," said Anne Proppe.

Proppe was honored as a survivor Saturday, she had open heart surgery in 2005 and survived a stroke. Since she's recovered, she's made big strides in improving her heart health. She has ran 7 marathons, completed the iron girl competition and earned a black belt in karate.

Lack of physical exercise and poor diet are two common risk factors of heart disease.

For more information and how to improve your heart health click here.