Shannon Kelly | Star-Tribune
Adults, children, and dogs gathered at Gretna Middle School the balmy evening of Thursday, September 20, for the community’s 26th annual Southern Virginia Heart Walk in conjunction with the American Heart Association. This event helps raise awareness for heart disease, and raises funds to benefit life-saving research.
The walk has been held in memory of young Drake Robertson since his untimely passing at age nine in 2005. Robertson reportedly participated in every heart walk until his death. Many walkers were sporting red “Team Drake” t-shirts in his honor. Individual walkers and various teams participated, walking around the perimeter of the school and along the track raising awareness and funds for the American Heart Association. Survivors of cardiac incidents wore red caps and led the way on the stroll. CPR demonstrations by the Danville Life Saving Crew, face painting, and free food were included in the event.
Eight organized teams walked, consisting of Boy Scouts of Gretna, CAPPS Shoes, Davenport Energy, Gretna Middle School Beta Club, Little Hawks with Heart, McDonalds, Mount Airy Elementary School, and Team for Drake.
People walk for a number of reasons, whether heart troubles have affected them or their loved ones, or they just want to help raise awareness and support.
Six years ago, Jennifer Pitman had a valve replacement. “I was at work one day and almost passed out,” she said. “I had vacation in the hospital for about two months,” she added jokingly. “I am [doing better now].” This year marked her third Heart Walk.
“In 2000, I had a heart attack,” Joel Shelton, another red-cap wearer, said. Thanks to Centra, he added, he is able to be alive today.
Caroline Wood, a Den Leader for the Cub Scouts, walked for both herself and members of her family. “I’ve had heart problems in my family, and I have [a] heart problem myself,” she explained. Misty Brumfield, a Cub Master, said that her father struggled with heart problems as well. Sporting tie-dye team shirts, Misty and Caroline accompanied two young Cub Scout members on the walk.
Stacey Day was on her second Heart Walk. Though she does not have heart problems herself, she participates to help raise awareness and support for those struggling with heart troubles.
Tracey Worley, a co-chair of the event, announced that the total donations collected from walkers amounted to $5,809.38. Including the donations from sponsors, the grand total of the 2018 walk came to $10,809.38. That number is subject to growth, co-chair Gloria Motley added.
Co-Chairs Gloria Motley and Tracey Worley thank their financial sponsors at Centra Medical Group, American National Bank, Robert Woodall Nissan, and Davenport Energy, as well as Gretna Middle School. Food and beverage donors are also thanked for generously providing refreshment.
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