Heart disease and stroke are the number one and three killers in America.

More than 5,000 Nebraskans die annually from cardiovascular disease.

That's why more than 6,000 people gathered Saturday, to walk for the heart.

Participants included heart disease and stroke survivors, families and friends, local businesses and the public.

All teams taking advantage of a great day, to raise awareness and money for a good cause.

Mary Schwartzkopf is one of thousands of Nebraskans affected by cardiovascular disease every year.

"I was born with it. It was a hole in the heart, is what it was. It grew to the size of a dime, to almost the size of a quarter, and it was pushing too much blood to one side," said Schwartzkopf.

Thirty-one years ago, Schwartzkopf had surgery to repair her broken heart.

"At the time before the surgery, I was told I only had about 3-5 years to live, and I couldn't have children, and there's my daughter and grandson right there," said Schwartzkopf.

Thanks to organizations like the American Heart Association, and their annual heart walk, Schwartzkopf and other survivors are now accomplishing goals they never dreamt possible.

"As a child, I never finished a race. I could always run it, but I could never finish it. I actually did the torch run a few years ago. Finishing that mile to me was an accomplishment," said Schwartzkopf.

"There's really nothing more rewarding from a cardiologist standpoint than to see a couple of your patients out there walking. It's good to see people aware than even a little bit of walking can go a long way as far as preventing heart attacks," said Dr. Joseph Kummer, Cardiologist, BryanLGH Heart Institute.

For survivors, Saturday's annual walk means a lot.

It's not only a way for them to meet others who've been through the same obstacles, but a chance to give back to those who will be affected this year.

"I had a chance to live, so what can I do to help someone else," said Schwartzkopf.

Research funded by the American Heart Association has yielded discoveries such as CPR, life-extending drugs, Pacemakers, and bypass surgery.

Last year the Lincoln event raised $300,000. This year's goal was $345,000, with most of the money raised staying local.