Cardiac Survivor to Headline Milwaukee Heart Walk
Keith Tozer will share his story of survival on September 26, 2026, to promote CPR education for local residents.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Heart Disease
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Cardiac arrest survivor Keith Tozer will serve as the featured speaker at the Southeast Wisconsin Heart and Stroke Walk at Henry Maier Festival Park on September 26, 2026. This event highlights the critical role of bystander CPR in improving survival outcomes.
Why it matters
The American Heart Association uses this event to emphasize the importance of CPR training, as bystander intervention remains the primary determinant of survival for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. Tozer’s experience illustrates how immediate care can change outcomes for individuals with heart conditions.
A 2024 survey from the American Heart Association found that 39% of U.S. adults feel highly confident performing CPR, representing 103 million people. While this reflects a recent increase of 17.7 million confident adults, the majority of the population remains under-prepared for emergencies.
The players
Keith Tozer
A soccer coach and six-time indoor champion who is raising awareness for heart disease prevention after surviving cardiac arrest.
American Heart Association
A national non-profit organization that funds cardiovascular research, provides CPR education, and advocates for heart disease prevention.
AnnMarie Marquis
The individual who performed life-saving bystander CPR on Keith Tozer for eight minutes.
The details
Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating, requiring immediate restoration of blood flow via chest compressions to keep oxygenated blood reaching the brain. In November 2025, Keith Tozer received eight minutes of life-saving bystander CPR after collapsing at Boston Logan International Airport. His recovery from this event is linked to a diagnosis of mitral valve prolapse, a condition where the heart valve does not close properly, potentially disrupting normal blood flow.
Timeline
November 11, 2025: Keith Tozer suffered cardiac arrest in Boston.
February 2026: MASL and the American Heart Association launched the Play with Heart initiative.
September 26, 2026: The Southeast Wisconsin Heart and Stroke Walk takes place in Milwaukee.
Health Landscape
This event supports the American Heart Association's 2030 goal to double survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests nationwide. Community-level events like this are essential to bridging the gap between current CPR confidence levels and the survival outcomes targeted by medical researchers.
If you are interested in learning how to respond during a cardiac emergency, check your local area for upcoming CPR certification courses. It is worth discussing your personal risk factors for heart conditions with your physician, especially if you have concerns regarding your family health history.
The takeaway
Survival after cardiac arrest often depends on immediate, effective bystander CPR. Milwaukee residents should consider seeking out a local CPR training program to ensure they are prepared to act in an emergency.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest resources and local guidance for managing cardiovascular health in the Heart Disease section.
More information
To register for the walk or find details about the event, visit the Heart and Stroke Walk registration page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by American Heart Association.
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Do you plan to learn how to perform CPR in the coming year?
