JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The American Heart Association just turned 100 years old and as part of the celebration, nearly 15,000 people walked in Jacksonville to remember and honor those who have or still are battling heart disease.

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And at the front of the starting line walk was Frue McAvoy.

"I'm feeling amazing," McAvoy said. "Excited. If I could sprint this thing, I would. I would run this because I'm just so happy. "

Running the three-mile loop is the goal for the 36-year-old, but standing there on Saturday is an accomplishment of its own.

"A lot of patience," he said. "I have an absolutely wonderful support system. I have a wonderful fiancé that's stuck by me every single day in the hospital for 48 days to be exact."

That's because at the end of 2023, McAvoy suffered a stroke.

It came as a surprise to the personal trainer, but it marked the start of a 10-month-long journey to that starting line.

"Standing here right now is such a blessing," he said. "I get emotional thinking about it. When I went to Brooks rehab, they had to do an assessment on me. I couldn't even stand for 30 seconds without help, so the balance is a big issue for me but it's not gonna stop me."

And McAvoy is joined by a sea of other walkers.

Each with a story, but many of them ringing the bell to signify their survival.

But it is also to remember those they have lost.

"Heart disease affects everyone," Caitlin Brunell, executive director at the First Coast American Heart Association, said. "Unfortunately, everyone can pinpoint someone in their life that has been affected by heart disease or stroke. So it's important that we continue to spread the awareness that it is the number one killer. That it takes more lives than all forms of cancer combined So we come together and change that narrative or trajectory for community."

The American Heart Association is celebrating 100 years this year. And on Saturday the First Coast Heart Walk announced it had raised $1.2 million to help others.

"So it's really important from the prevention and awareness aspect that we continue to get the word out to advocate and celebrate with loved ones," Brunell said. "Prioritizing our heart health and having some physical activity this morning."

And when the event got started and the ribbon was cut, McAvoy was among the many just happy to be there.

"I'm rooting for everyone here," he said. "Every family that is going through a tough time don't ever give up don't ever give up the faith."