CHARLESTON, W.Va., Sept. 29, 2026 – As part of a fall tradition, your American Heart Association is excited to join with local businesses and community teams for the return of the Charleston Heart Walk, happening this Saturday, Oct. 3, at GoMart Ballpark. Registration opens at 9 a.m., with the walk starting at 9:45 a.m. Funds raised from the event will help fight the No. 1 and No. 4 killers of Americans – heart disease and stroke. This year’s walk chair is Stacy McPherson with Vandalia Health CAMC. WCHS 8 News’ Hannah Cline and Gina Marini will co-emcee the event.
“We are so excited to see the Capital City once again join in this fight, as so many of us in the region have been impacted by heart disease and stroke,” said Amanda Sosebee, development director for the American Heart Association. “We can’t wait to see all the smiling faces of our community teams, volunteers, sponsors and, of course, our survivors.”
The morning will have many engaging experiences to offer attendees, including local survivor recognition, Hands-Only CPR demonstrations, the Pup Parade, and the new Wellness Area.
Area sponsors include Vandalia Health CAMC, MRC Global, Encova Insurance, The Health Plan, Aetna Medical Solutions, WVU Medicine Thomas Hospital, Roane General Hospital, Highmark West Virginia, Jackson Kelly PLLC, Appalachian Power, Better Homes & Gardens, and Pioneer Federal Credit Union. WCHS 8/Fox Appalachia and LM Communications (100.9 The Mix and Rock 105 FM) are the media supporters of the event.
“We can’t say thanks enough to our sponsors and community partners,” added Sosebee. “They are helping make this year’s Heart Walk a success, and without them, our mission to save lives couldn’t happen.”
Sosebee reminds attendees to look for survivors wearing their special Red Caps (heart survivors) and White Caps (stroke survivors). “If you want to know why you help, just look at our Red Cap and White Cap survivors,” she said. “They are all the motivation you need.”
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Kevin Pauley: kevin.pauley@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
