(Photo by Gwen Sour) Heart disease and stroke survivors lead the march at the Heart Walk in City Park on Thursday evening.

PARKERSBURG — More than 150 participants gathered at City Park on Thursday for the annual Mid-Ohio Valley Heart Walk, an event that blends celebration, education, and remembrance in support of the American Heart Association’s mission to fight heart disease and stroke.

Organized by the association’s local development director, Amanda Sosebee, the Heart Walk featured activities for all ages, including a “Kid Zone,” sponsor tents, and a tribute tree where attendees could honor loved ones affected by heart disease.

“This is our annual Heart Walk that we have here in the community every year,” Sosebee said. “We’re really just walking to celebrate our survivors, those who have survived heart attack and stroke, and to raise awareness for those and just promote a healthier lifestyle.”

Cardiologist David Gnegy of WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center, who served as this year’s event chair, spoke about the importance of awareness and prevention.

“By walking in the Heart Walk, we’re supporting life-saving research, community education, and celebrating our heart and stroke survivors,” he said. “The funds raised today help bring recognition and education to people so they can take control of their heart health.”

(Photo by Gwen Sour) From left, Kaylee and Klara Litman share Klara’s story during the Mid-Ohio Valley Heart Walk on Thursday evening.

The walk was emceed by Phyllis Smith, who opened with a call to action for bystander CPR education.

“Each year, more than 350,000 people suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital, and only about 10% survive,” she said. “Together, we can change that.”

Awards were presented to top fundraising teams and walkers, including Parkersburg Cardiology, which led with more than $10,000 raised. The Heart Walk raised approximately $36,000.

For Kaylee Litman, the day carried deep personal meaning. Her team, Klara’s Team, was named for her daughter, who faced serious cardiac challenges.

“Everyone here is either my family or my work family,” she said. “They were there by mine and Klara’s side through everything, and they all donated to the American Heart Association. I’m so thankful for them.”

(Photo by Gwen Sour) Cardiologist David Gnegy shares the importance of the Heart Walk and how it supports research for heart issues.

Another participant, Haley Deskins, walked in gratitude after recovering from heart surgery earlier this year.

“I have three little ones, and it’s been a long road,” Deskins said. “To support each other and celebrate with the people who were there when things were hardest – it means so much.”

The event concluded with a lighthearted “Pup Parade,” where four-legged participants competed for titles like “Waggiest Tail” and “Prettiest Pooch.”

For those interested in volunteering or participating in next year’s walk, Sosebee said information is available at the Mid-Ohio Valley Heart Walk website.

“Every walker who joins, every dollar donated means more people trained in hands-only CPR, more research, and more life-saving moments,” Smith said. “That starts right here with you.”

(Photo by Gwen Sour) Emcee Phyllis Smith welcomes attendees to the Heart Walk at City Park on Thursday.

(Photo by Gwen Sour) Over a hundred individuals attended the annual heart walk at City Park on Thursday.

(Photo by Gwen Sour) From left, Volunteer Dave Purdy, a survivor of heart problems, passes out hats that indicate survivors to Randy Marshall, whose daughter is a survivor of heart problems.