Bayhealth professionals to co-chair 2025 heart walk Nov. 2
The American Heart Association announced co-chairs for the 2025 Southern Delaware Heart Walk will be husband-and-wife team Ben Collins and Sarah Neely-Collins, both of whom are healthcare professionals for Bayhealh.
Collins is senior director of operations for Bayhealth’s cardiovascular service line; Neely-Collins is an oncology nurse practitioner at Bayhealth.
Together, they aim to build a community of lifesavers by mobilizing top executives throughout the region to recruit companies and organizations to join the Heart Walk, a year-round campaign that raises funds to fight cardiovascular disease while equipping people with education, knowledge and resources to act in the face of a cardiac emergency by learning CPR.
The walk is being planned for Sunday, Nov. 2, at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand.
The heart association continues to emphasize CPR education as a critical component 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. The duo, alongside a team of executive leaders, are committed to ensuring that more people in Southern Delaware are prepared to respond effectively in these life-or-death situations.
“The Heart Walk is an incredible chance for Southern Delaware to come together and address a life-and-death issue affecting so many,” said Jim Murphy, executive director of the American Heart Association in Delaware. “Cardiac arrest can happen without warning, and the key to survival is often the quick response of a bystander. This event goes beyond fundraising –it’s about equipping people with the skills and confidence to act when it matters most. With Ben and Sarah at the forefront, we’re excited to see the community rally to create more lifesavers and make a lasting impact.”
The Heart Walk, active in more than 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 Southern Delaware. 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.
“We imagine a future where CPR knowledge is as common as knowing how to call for help," said Collins. "Having a confident, trained lifesaver in every household across Delaware could transform outcomes during cardiac emergencies. By participating in the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk, companies are empowering our community to move from bystanders to action-takers, ensuring that when seconds count, someone is ready to make a lifesaving difference."
Neely-Collins said, “The Heart Walk is about uniting our community for a greater cause. As healthcare providers and as parents, we’re passionate about improving the health and well-being of families across Southern Delaware. Together, we hope to inspire others to take action and help save lives.”
For more information, go to heart.org/southerndewalk.
