MORGANTOWN, WV, June 6, 2024 — As the celebration of their centennial year continues, your American Heart Association is excited to partner with local businesses and community teams for the return of the Morgantown Heart Walk, happening Saturday, June 8th, at the Aquatic Center and Track Complex at Mylan Park. Registration opens at 9:30 a.m. with the walk starting at 10 a.m. Funds raised from the event will help fight the #1 and #5 killers of Americans – heart disease and stroke. This year’s Walk Chair is Jaime Billotti (WVU Medicine). Holly Baratta (WDTV/Fox 10) will emcee the event.

“We are so excited to see the people of Morgantown once again join together in this fight, as so many of us have been impacted by heart disease and stroke,” said Lauren Thomas, Development Director for the American Heart Association. “We can’t wait to see all of the smiling faces of our community teams, volunteers, sponsors and, of course, our survivors.”

The morning will have many things to offer attendees, from yoga, food trucks, and face painting to the “Pup Parade”, sponsored by First Energy. Attendees will also hear from the WVU Alumni Band, which will help officially start the walk. Also, there will be free CPR Anytime kits being given out to all attendees while supplies last.

Area sponsors include the WVU Medicine Heart & Vascular Institute (Signature Sponsor), GoMart (Life is Why Sponsor), WVU Medicine, Encompass Health & Rehabilitation Hospital, First Energy, Hope Gas, TeleTech, Adrian Enterprises, Debt Collection Partners, Novo Nordisk, Mon Health, TerraCare, Bowles Rice LLP, Jackson Kelly PLLC, Healthworks Rehab & Fitness, Mason Dixon Riders Association, and MVB Bank. WDTV/Fox 10 are the media supporters for this event.

“We can’t say thanks enough to our sponsors and community partners,” added Thomas. “They helped us make this year’s Heart Walk a success and, without them, our mission to save lives couldn’t happen.”

Thomas reminds attendees to look for survivors wearing their special Red Caps (heart survivor) and White Caps (stroke survivor).  “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.”                                                         

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.