Ohio Valley Heart Walk returns to raise awareness and honor survivors

Wheeling, W.Va. (WTRF) – Next Thursday, residents all across the area will walk to bring awareness to heart disease, the #1 leading cause of death in the U.S.

The annual Ohio Valley Heart Walk raises money for critical research into heart disease, heart health and strokes.

Each year hundreds of people come out to honor the survivors in their lives.

Dr. Michael Campsey, the Chief of Cardiology at Wheeling Hospital and a stroke survivor himself, says this event is critical for our area, because we have high rates of diabetes, obesity and smoking.

“You know, I now recognize what people are going through. I have a lot more empathy for what they’re going through. It’s important for me to help raise the funds, as well as get out here and support the community by people seeing me here and so forth. I think it means a lot.”

Dr. Michael Campsey, M.D., Chief of Cardiology at Wheeling Hospital

“It brings community members out, it’s different companies across the community that come out to celebrate survivors and their employees and the importance of heart health and health overall. And also just recognizing the survivors and honoring them in a really special way.”

Lauren Thomas, Development Director for the American Heart Association

The Heart Walk is next Thursday, September 26th at Wheeling Park near the amphitheater.

Registration begins at 5:30, and you still have plenty of time to sign up, or form a team. You can do so visiting the official website.

The Heart Walk will also feature a Kids’ Zone, as well as a pet contest.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTRF.