Rock the Walk was founded in loving memory of my husband, DeJaughn “Billy” Murphy, whose life and legacy inspired this movement. Just eight months after losing him to heart failure, my father, David James Scott, also passed away from heart failure. My father proudly participated in Rock the Walk last year. Despite his own health challenges, he showed up with joy, faith, and determination, encouraging others to keep living, keep believing, and keep moving. His favorite saying was, “It’s too easy,” reminding everyone that with faith, no obstacle is impossible to overcome.

Then, this past June, our family experienced another heartbreaking loss when my maternal grandmother’s heart also stopped.

These losses have only deepened our conviction that this work matters.

While Rock the Walk began as a tribute to my husband, it did not end with him. It has become a living legacy—one that honors every family affected by heart disease and serves as a reminder that awareness, education, prevention, and continued research save lives.

Our mission remains the same: 

Building the Heart & Blood, One Step at a Time.This year’s walk represents more than a community gathering. It is our commitment to continue advocating, educating, and investing in the life-saving work of organizations like the American Heart Association so that more families can have hope and more hearts can keep beating.