Anna Monaco

Walking With Purpose: Why I’m Committing to the Heart & Stroke 50 km February Walk

February is Heart Month, a time to pause and reflect on something we often take for granted, our heart health. This year, I’m committing to the Heart & Stroke Foundation’s 50 km Walk Challenge, and I’d love for you to be part of it.

Why This Matters to Me — Personally

Movement has always been more than just exercise for me. It’s how I take care of my body, manage stress, build resilience, and show up fully for the people in my life. But my connection to heart health goes far beyond fitness.

Heart disease and stroke have deeply impacted my family. I lost my sister to heart disease. My dad suffered multiple strokes. And three years ago, my husband had a heart attack. Thanks to fast-acting healthcare workers and timely care, he is doing well today and something I will forever be grateful for.

These experiences changed me. They made heart health personal, urgent, and impossible to ignore. Supporting research, education, and prevention through the Heart & Stroke Foundation feels incredibly meaningful to me.

The 50 km February Walk

The goal is simple: walk 50 kilometres over the month of February.

That’s just over 1.5 km per day, and it’s completely achievable at any pace and on any schedule.

Whether it’s a walk outside, time on the treadmill, walking with a friend, or squeezing in steps between busy days and every step counts. This challenge isn’t about speed or perfection. It’s about consistency, commitment, and choosing to care for our hearts.

I’ve Started a Fundraiser and I’d Love Your Support

Alongside the walking challenge, I’ve started a fundraiser in support of the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Funds raised help support life-saving research, education, and programs that improve prevention, treatment, and recovery for people affected by heart disease and stroke.

There are two powerful ways you can get involved:

• Join me in walking the 50 km challenge
• Support the cause with a donation

Both truly matter.

Let’s Walk Together

If you’ve been looking for a reason to move more, reconnect with your health, or be part of something bigger,  this is it. You can walk on your own, with friends, or walk alongside me and log kilometres together.

Walking is one of the most accessible and effective forms of movement. It supports heart health, reduces stress, improves mood, and builds habits that last. Sometimes the simplest actions have the greatest impact.

Join Me This February

This walk is about honouring those we’ve lost, supporting those still healing, and doing what we can to protect our own hearts and the hearts of those we love.

If you’d like to join the walk, donate, or walk with me, click the link  or reach out — I would love to have you involved.

One step at a time, we can make a difference. ❤️