Heart to Heart with Tracy Pitcher

Comcast and the American Heart Association

Since 2019, Comcast Business and Xfinity have supported the American Heart Association and participated in the annual Heart Walk. The 2024 Greater Atlanta Heart Walk will take place this Saturday, September 21 at Lenox Square Mall. As we approach this year’s event, we sat down with Tracy Pitcher, Senior Vice President of Comcast Business, Central Division, who currently serves as the American Heart Association Atlanta Board Chair-Elect, to talk about the importance of cardiovascular health. To support the American Heart Association, click here:

Why is heart health a passion for Comcast?

The American Heart Association is committed to reducing death caused by heart disease and stroke but cardiac wellness doesn’t stop there. A healthy heart contributes to overall well-being by preventing other chronic conditions and positively affecting one’s mental health. At Comcast, we’re committed to enhancing people’s lives by delivering world-class products and services including broadband, mobile and entertainment. The American Heart Association and Comcast are both passionate about enhancing lives by being people-focused and we’re proud to support the AHA again this year.

How can non-Comcast employees get involved in this year’s fundraiser?

We’re looking forward to this year’s American Heart Association Atlanta Heart Walk and everyone is welcome to jump in and get involved. Comcast Business and Xfinity have 20 teams participating in this year’s walk and donations can be made to any of our teams by clicking here.  

What has been Comcast’s impact through the sponsorship?

Since 2019, Comcast’s Central Division has contributed nearly one million dollars through company and employee contributions. In addition to the Heart Walk itself, our team has created additional fundraising events like “Sing Your Heart Out” where employees were invited to karaoke and make donations. These events have been a great way to build our connected culture and raise awareness company-wide for the American Heart Association.

Speaking of fundraising events, this year – you along with many other Comcast leaders – agreed to be drenched in a fundraising challenge. What are your thoughts about the challenge and how many senior leaders participated?

That was a great day. Folks had an opportunity to participate in CPR demonstrations and fun water games while they waited for the big event which gave a nice boost to our fundraising efforts. I do want to thank all the employees who donated and cheered us on and the other senior leaders who were willing to be soaked alongside me. Having our leaders and employees come together to show their support for the American Heart Association, and for each other, was such a special moment personally and for our business.  

You are on the board this year, why is heart health important to you personally?  

Heart wellness hits home for my family and me. My husband has faced heart disease for much of his adult life. He had a heart attack as a young adult and had multiple heart surgeries over the next 20 years. The American Heart Association has invested more than five billion dollars into cardiovascular research which has resulted in longer, healthier lives for so many people around the world. I am honored to serve on the board and support an organization that has impacted my family and so many others like mine.

What do you and your family do to be heart-healthy?

Most importantly, we try to stay active. We also “know our numbers.” We ensure we get regular check-ups, and pay attention to our blood pressure and cholesterol. Those indicators can be early warning signs of heart disease. The American Heart Association has a goal of having at least one person in every household aware of how to perform CPR. Just visit cpr.heart.org. It’s easy to learn and you can save a life. 

Was there one fact about heart disease that impacted you and helped to drive your partnership with this organization?

Heart disease has affected my family, but moreover, heart disease is also the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women. However, there are steps people can take to help mitigate their risks of heart disease and improve their quality of life. I am excited about the work that the American Heart Association is doing, happy to partner with them and truly looking forward to this year’s Heart Walk.

To learn more about the American Heart Association, visit www.heart.org.