Founded in 2010 by Pierre Twer and friends as an extension of HeartReach Michiana—founded by Dr. Walt Halloran—Bolt for the Heart is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving Indiana with a clear mission: to save lives by expanding access to lifesaving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).

With just 26 registered runners, the first Bolt for the Heart race began with a bold hope: to eventually equip every Indiana State Police patrol vehicle with an AED. Just nine years later, in 2019, that goal was achieved—[Bolt for the Heart completes the final placement of 134 AEDs needed to fully equip the Indiana State Police Department]

Since its founding in 2010, Bolt for the Heart has helped place more than 3,500 AEDs across Indiana and has raised over $5.8 million to support life-saving initiatives that improve cardiac emergency response.

We envision communities where AED access is as common as fire extinguishers—where every patrol car carries the power to restore a heartbeat, and where parks and public spaces are built with life-saving readiness in mind.

Our work focuses on building permanent life-saving infrastructure through community partnerships, first responder support, public access initiatives, and endurance event preparedness.

And we invite individuals, corporations, foundations, and families to help build this life-saving future in their communities with us.