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For many reasons, including the fact that it’s the number one cause of death among women, the Joe Reed Memorial Heart Walk – named after the father of current Winchester Mayor JoEllen Reed – has been commonplace in Winchester each spring. 

2025 would be no exception. 

On the morning of Saturday, April 26, the heart walk took place at Clark Regional Medical Center. 

“This is something that is near and dear…to the heart of my family,” said Mayor JoEllen Reed, whose late father was previously recognized for 35 years of service to the American Heart Association. “Every year, he had me out walking the streets, and I appreciate that very much.” 

The American Heart Association each year conducts heart walks, which, according to its website, are utilized each year to raise funds for research and care regarding heart disease and stroke care – the #1 and #5 causes of death in the United States. 

Jackie Dawson, a Heart Walk Director for AHA, spoke on the matter further. 

“Over the past 100 years we’ve accomplished much, but there’s still so much work to do,” she said. “It is so important that we are all here today making this difference together.” 

A number of local individuals – including former Winchester Mayor Ed Burtner and City Manager Bruce Manley- were present to provide support. 

Just as well were organizations, including the UK Healthcare Gill Heart and Vascular Institute plus the Mountain Comprehensive Care HomePlace Clinic. 

“Cardiovascular care is extremely important,” said Andrea Keene, Kentucky Regional Coordinator with MCC’s HomePlace Clinic. “You definitely have to make sure that you’re on top of that [and] make sure that you’re doing all your preventative measures.” 

George Rogers Clark High School student and Miss Kentucky Teen Mallory Jones, who was previously diagnosed with Non-Classical Wolff-Parkinson White Syndrome and utilized a platform titled “Be Smart. Love Your Heart!”, sang the national anthem, and a survival story about Selbie Means – a four-year-old born with a complete balanced atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) – was shared by her mother Morgan. 

Clark Regional Medical Center CEO Matt Smith also spoke to those in attendance. 

“Today is a day of honoring, celebrating, and, of course, remembering,” he said. “We appreciate you coming out to honor all those folks…and participate.” 

Shortly afterward, the heart walk – which stretched around the exterior of the hospital building and totaled approximately one mile – began with dozens participating. 

“When I look around here and I see all these folks here participating, I thank you again…for what you’ve done and what you do every day,” she said.