Nearly 1,500 Southern Tier residents got together on Sunday for the 23rd snnual American Heart Association Walk at Binghamton University's Events Center. As our Elyse Mickalonis tells us, organizers and survivors hope the walk helps to promote a healthy lifestyle, stopping heart disease and stroke before they strike.

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BROOME COUNTY, N.Y. -- The 23rd Annual American Heart Association Walk brought out a pretty big crowd this year.

"I have a heart murmur, so I'm out here with a few friends and some family,” said Eliza Majka, an Apalachin resident.

Nearly 1,500 people showed up for the walk, run and expo. The hope is to help fight heart disease and stroke by raising money for research, training and education. Organizers say one of every three adults in the country has a type of heart disease today or has suffered a stroke.

"At 25-years-old, I suffered and survived a heart attack. I had a cardiac catheterization and they placed two stents in my right artery,” said Lisa Mascato.

Brenda Testani-Nedbalski, a stroke survivor, added, "Eighteen years ago, I suffered a stroke and I was 36-years-old."

According to studies, 80 percent of cardiovascular disease is preventable and the hope is that the walk helps to promote a healthy lifestyle and stop the onset of illness.

"The whole purpose is to raise awareness, raise funds for the American Heart Association and fight heart disease,” said Mark Mushalla, 2012 Southern Tier Heart Walk Chairman.

Some survivors participated in the 5K or the walk, but many were glad to share their stories with people of all ages, because these diseases can affect anyone."

"You're never too young to have severe health issues and your best bet is to get checked out regardless of what you think,” said Mascato. “I thought I was invincible at 25, because I was young."

Raising awareness for diseases that can affect anyone.