LSC-President Shah Ardalan announced this week that the AHA's Northwest Harris County Heart Walk has already raised nearly $184,000 -- $36,000 more than was raised last year.

"We had more than 4,000 people on campus and with about a month to go to receive donations, we have raised $183,926 to help fight heart disease and stroke," Ardalan said.

"I want to thank all of the sponsors, volunteers and the companies that participated," he added. "With exemplary leadership and support from many including Noble Energy, Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, Cypress-Fairbanks Medical Center, Memorial Hermann Health System, CHI St. Luke's Health - Vintage Park, Schulte Building Systems, AEI Engineering, iSchool High, Klein ISD and so many others, we have achieved a collective momentum and vision that will continue to make a difference."

Ardalan also extended his appreciation to families, administrators, faculty, staff students and the many community members who made the walk on campus Oct. 29 a day to remember.

"I cannot adequately express my admiration and thanks for those who worked so hard," he said. "Our results show what happens when a powerful cause touches our hearts."

Executives from the American Heart Association also extended their thanks to all participants. "We are grateful for the community support from our wonderful sponsors, volunteers, donors and to Lone Star College-University Park for hosting the event," said Teresa Carroll, Senior Corporate Market Director for the Northwest Harris County Heart Walk. "This year, the attendance at the Northwest Harris County Heart Walk was the highest we've seen in many years! While the beautiful weather was a contributing factor to the amazing turnout we had this year, I wholeheartedly believe that we would not have been as successful without the support from this giving and supportive community."

Ardalan, who chaired the walk, was also the top individual fundraiser. LSC-University Park came in third behind Houston Methodist and Noble Energy in the "Companies Division."

Donations are still being accepted on the Lone Star College-University Park heart walk page at northwestharriscountyheartwalk.org