GoMart stores support heart and stroke health through record-setting Life is Why® campaign

CHARLESTON, W. Va. August 11, 2025 — Approximately 6 in 10 U.S. adults will develop some type of cardiovascular disease (CVD) within the next 30 years, according to the latest research found in two presidential advisories published in the American Heart Association’s journal, Circulation. That is why the Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all, collaborated with GoMart stores across West Virginia and Virginia to give individuals a chance to be part of the progress to overcome today’s biggest health challenges. Through the Association’s Life Is Why® campaign, people support the fight against cardiovascular disease by donating at checkout, in-store and online, while celebrating their personal reasons for living longer, healthier lives. Retailers and brands like GoMart are stepping up to help make this lifesaving campaign possible. This year, GoMart broke records for West Virginia by bringing in over $12,000 in life-saving funds throughout the month of July. 

During this year’s campaign, GoMart stores featured posters that highlighted local congenital heart defect (CHD) survivors from the region. These “Heart Heroes” were children from across the Mountain State who have overcome CHDs thanks to the work of the Association. The posters were a hit, drawing in customers and encouraging them to support the Life is Why campaign. 

“GoMart’s support of the American Heart Association’s Life Is Why campaign exemplifies the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change in heart and brain health,” said Brett Harper, President of the American Heart Association’s West Virginia Board of Directors. “This will help fund more critical research and enable us to reach more communities with lifesaving initiatives. Together, we are making strides towards a healthier future for everyone.” 

GoMart participates in the Life is Why campaign twice a year – once in the summer in July and once in the winter during February, which is American Heart Month. This year’s summer campaign is their most successful ever. 

"GoMart is honored to support the American Heart Association’s Life Is Why campaign, empowering our customers to join the fight against heart disease and stroke," said Ian Stewart, Marketing Director for GoMart, Inc. "This effort reflects our commitment to create healthier lives by supporting life-saving research and initiatives that reach communities across the country."   

Donations through the Life is Why campaign—no matter the amount—allow the Association to implement initiatives such as: 

To learn more about the Life is Why campaign and other participating companies, please visit www.heart.org/lifeiswhy.