The Fairfield County Heart Walk was held Saturday at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport.

The walk, hosted by the American Heart Association, is an opportunity for people to raise money to benefit research and medical breakthroughs for heart disease and stroke.

Heart disease is the No. 1 leading killer in the U.S. Stroke is No. 5.

Funding will also help more people become trained in CPR.

The event is designed to promote physical activity and heart-healthy living.

Before the Fairfield County Heart Walk began, 8-month-old Sadie Somero was honored as a Red Cap Ambassador.

Earlier this year, Somero had open heart surgery at just 5 months old after doctors found a minor coarctation in her aorta.

"I was so scared, I'd never even had heard of anyone who had gone through this before," said her mother, Samantha Somero. She said she was proud that her daughter was recognized at the event.

"It just feels like an honor to be her mom, an honor to be on this journey with her."

Louis Consentino, the event chair, stressed the importance of the event.

"That's what we do... It's for people like Sadie, to ensure that she can get the proper care when needed. For folks to get the proper education and be heart healthy. But being with Sadie was fantastic, she's an amazing little girl," he said.

The Somero family hopes raising funds can save more lives just like it was possible for Sadie.