The Centre County Heart Walk is set to kick off Sunday afternoon at the Millbrook Nature Center in College Township.

Local organizers are hoping to raise $65,000 for the American Heart Association in its fight against heart disease and stroke.

Toddler Aubrey Tusar, who along with her twin sister, Ainsley, suffers from congenital heart defects, was selected as this year’s Heart Hero.

The twins’ older sisters, Morgan and Lauren, organized a team to raise money for the event as part of a church confirmation project, according to the county chapter’s website.

Their mother, Erin Tusar, said the walk helps raise money to purchase life-saving equipment and for education and research.

The family’s team, Aubrey’s Angels, has well exceeded its fundraising goal of $3,000, according to the Heart Walk website.

Those who wish to register or make a donation, or who would like more information can visit http://heart.org/ centrewalk or call 814-954-7035.

Registration for the event begins at noon. The walk begins at 1 p.m. and lasts until 3 on the grounds of the nature center.

Matt Carroll can be reached at 231-4631. Follow him on Twitter @Carrollreporter