Physical Therapist Breaks Records as American Heart Association’s Woman of Impact Winner
Blair County, PA, April 22, 2025 — Amy Van Kleunen, a dedicated Physical Therapist at Powerback, has been named the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Blair Woman of Impact Winner for 2025. Amy achieved an impressive 100,000 impact points, making her a member of the prestigious Centennial Club. Amy also set a new local record and ranked #11 among Woman of Impact participants nationwide. She earned this title by raising critical funds and increasing awareness to combat heart disease and stroke in women, while also promoting overall well-being in the community. According to the American Heart Association, a global force for longer, healthier lives, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among women in the U.S., disproportionately affecting women of color.
“Thanks to the efforts of incredible leaders like Amy Van Kleunen and all of our nominees, we’re making strides to ensure all women in Blair County are seen, heard, and counted when it comes to their health,” said Vanessa Houser, Development Director, American Heart Association. “Together, we have the power to help ensure more women are represented in research, have the information they need for heart health through every stage of life, and receive quality and timely care. The power of our community coming together creates better health outcomes for all of us.”
Over the course of nine weeks, Van Kleunen, along with a team of family, friends, and colleagues, competed for the Woman of Impact title by participating in various community awareness and fundraising activities. After raising critical funds and driving women’s health education initiatives, including a (community CPR training event or other mission activity), Van Kleunen was named this year’s winner. The Woman of Impact campaign is part of the American Heart Association’s signature Go Red for Women movement, a comprehensive platform that has been increasing women’s heart health awareness and improving the lives of women globally for more than two decades.
“It was important for me to participate in Woman of Impact because cardiovascular disease has affected 3 generations of my family, including myself,” said Van Kleunen. “I am honored to have received this recognition and am excited to continue working alongside the American Heart Association and its Go Red for Women initiative to help ensure all women know their risk factors and have the information they need to live longer, healthier lives.”
The Woman of Impact campaign launched in over 100 cities on National Wear Red Day®, February 7. In Blair, six community leaders were nominated to participate. Collectively, this year’s Blair nominees hosted lunch and learns, engaged senior centers, created educational videos, and encouraged women to exercise and make time for heart healthy activities. and raised $118,000 for the Blair American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement.
Other local nominees included:
- Carolyn Donaldson, Vice President Community Engagement & Relationship Development Office, Kish Bank
- Cassie Fisher, CRNP, BMA Cardiology of Bedford
- Dr. Maureen Letcher, Principal, Hollidaysburg Area High School
- Gina Lechene, Lead Advanced Practice Provider, APP Supervisor, UPMC Altoona and UPMC Bedford
- Mandy Lasinsky, Nurse Practitioner, BMA Cardiology
The Blair Go Red for Woman of Impact is locally sponsored by the Nason Foundation. While the large majority of cardiac events can be prevented, CVD continues to be a woman’s greatest health threat, as nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of CVD. Women also experience unique life stages, like pregnancy and menopause, that can increase their risk of developing CVD. Community leaders involved in Woman of Impact are paving the way for the future of women’s heart health and enabling more women to live longer and healthier lives.
To learn more about the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement in Blair, visit heart.org/blairgored.
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, on Facebook, X, or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
About Go Red for Women®
The American Heart Association’s signature initiative, Go Red for Women®, is a comprehensive platform designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. While the majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 women. For more than two decades, Go Red for Women has encouraged awareness. The movement harnesses the energy, passion, and power of women to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them tools they need to lead a heart-healthy life. The Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, with additional support from national cause supporters. For more information, please visit GoRedforWomen.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721).
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
