Local women recognized as heroes at Central Massachusetts Heart and Stroke Walk
WORCESTER, Mass., June 25, 2025 — Two local women whose work is making Central Massachusetts a safer, healthier place were honored by the American Heart Association during the Central Massachusetts Heart and Stroke Walk, held earlier this month at Fitton Field on the campus of the College of the Holy Cross.
Northbridge resident Heather Welch received the Heart Hero Award for her leadership in making Bright Beginnings Center in Hopedale the first public school in Massachusetts to be certified as a Heart Safe School through Project ADAM, a nationally recognized initiative that prepares schools to respond to cardiac emergencies. Welch, a nurse, collaborated with Hasbro Children’s Hospital and local emergency responders to ensure her school had a fully trained response team and a comprehensive cardiac emergency plan.
Shrewsbury resident Kayla Overly was honored with the Stroke Hero Award for founding Woo Stroke: The Worcester Stroke Alliance, a grassroots coalition that includes UMass Memorial Medical Center, Fairlawn Rehabilitation Hospital, VNA Care and St. Vincent Hospital. Together, they are helping Worcester residents learn the signs of stroke, understand their risk factors, and act quickly when every second counts.
“These are two extraordinary individuals who are making our community stronger and safer,” said Matt Vaccaro, president of Masis Staffing and the Worcester Bravehearts, and volunteer chair of this year’s walk. “Their leadership embodies the lifesaving mission of the American Heart Association.”
The Heart and Stroke Walk, held Saturday, June 7, brought together more than 350 walkers from across Central Massachusetts, including heart disease and stroke survivors, community advocates, and teams from 24 local companies. Together, they raised just over $110,000 to fund lifesaving research and education initiatives.
The top fundraising companies were: UMass Memorial Health, Milford Regional Medical Center, Mirick, Reliant Medical Group and Worcester State University – Speech Language Hearing Center.
The local sponsors were: UMass Memorial Health, Masis Staffing, Berkshire Bank, Avidia Bank, Carr Financial, My Health Can’t Wait J&J, Worcester Bravehearts, Reliant Medical Group Part of Optum, FLEXcon, Woo Sox Foundation and Discover Central Massachusetts. The walk was emceed by Jen Carter of 104.5 XLO, which served as the media sponsor.
Nine out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital do not survive, a sobering statistic that underscores the importance of CPR education, which the Heart and Stroke Walk helps promote. Every dollar raised and every person trained in CPR moves the region closer to the American Heart Association’s goal of doubling survival rates from cardiac arrest by 2030.
To learn more or get involved, visit CentralMAHeartWalk.org.
Editor’s Note: Event photos are available on the American Heart Association’s Massachusetts Facebook page. Please credit the American Heart Association.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Chris Camire:
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
