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When David Morgan accepted the chair role for the 2026 Los Angeles Heart Walk, he brought more than professional leadership to the campaign. He brought a deeply personal commitment shaped by loss and a recent health scare of his own.
Morgan, chief operating officer at UCLA West Valley Medical Center, is leading this year’s Heart Walk in honor of his father, who survived two strokes and later died of a heart attack.
“My dad has been my personal connection to this cause,” Morgan said. “This year, it became even more personal, and my experience strengthened my commitment to the American Heart Association’s mission to save and improve lives.”
In April, Morgan woke up feeling severely dizzy and unable to raise his heart rate above 35 beats per minute. Recognizing that something was wrong, he sought immediate medical care and ultimately underwent an emergency procedure to implant a pacemaker to help his heart beat in a regular rhythm.
Although Morgan has long maintained healthy habits and did not have risk factors, he knew heart disease ran in his family. His father had also required a pacemaker at nearly the same age.
“I was fortunate to recognize the warning signs and get help right away,” Morgan said. “This experience is a reminder of how important it is to listen to your body, know your family history and take action when something doesn’t feel right.”
As Heart Walk chair, Morgan hopes to inspire greater community participation while raising awareness of heart disease and stroke, the nation’s leading causes of death. He is also championing the Heart Walk’s goal of building a community of lifesavers by expanding access to CPR education and training.
“Most cardiac emergencies don’t happen in hospitals. They happen at home, in workplaces and out in the community,” Morgan said. “The more people who know CPR and understand how to respond in an emergency, the more lives we can save.”
Morgan also hopes the event will unite people and organizations across Greater Los Angeles around a common purpose.
“Every step and every dollar raised helps advance research, education and prevention efforts that save lives,” he said. “I want people to understand the impact they’re making and feel excited about being part of something that truly helps others.”
The Greater Los Angeles Heart Walk will take place on Oct. 3, 2026 at the Rose Bowl Stadium, bringing together survivors, families, companies and community members in support of the American Heart Association’s mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.
“I invite everyone to join us,” Morgan said. “You’ll leave feeling empowered, inspired and more connected to a cause that affects nearly every family in some way.”
To register, donate or learn more about the Los Angeles Heart Walk, visit heartwalkla.org.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than 100 years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org/SouthernCalifornia, Facebook, Instagram, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.