Courtney Bearer, Miss Morgantown 2025, shares how a family history of heart disease led her to turn her personal journey for a healthy heart into a movement in her community, including helping with the 2025 Morgantown Heart Walk
Growing up, movement was second nature to me. From my earliest memories in a dance studio to performing with the WVU Dance Team, staying active was just part of who I was. I never thought twice about my heart—it was always there, beating in the background, fueling my long rehearsals and high-energy performances.
But over time, I realized that not everyone had the same experience. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in West Virginia and across the nation. It does not discriminate by age, gender, or background—everyone knows someone who has been affected. For me, that reality hit close to home.
My Connection to Heart Health
Heart disease is not just a statistic. It is personal.
All four of my grandparents faced major heart surgeries, and two of them sadly lost their lives since. Seeing them go through those challenges made me more aware of just how common heart disease is, especially in West Virginia, where it continues to impact families every day.
Then, my mother suffered a heart attack at just 41 years old. That moment changed everything for me. The reality that heart disease was not just something that happened to older adults, but to people in the prime of their lives, was a wake-up call. I realized that if I wanted to protect my own health and help others, I had to start now.
That is what led me to create Connecting With Cardio—a movement to encourage people to take care of their hearts before problems arise and to make heart health education more engaging and accessible.
Making Movement Fun Again
As much as I loved dance, it was hula hooping that completely changed my perspective on fitness. It was fun, it was challenging, and it made me feel like a kid again. I realized that movement does not have to be structured or routine—it can be playful, creative, and something you actually look forward to.
Through Connecting With Cardio, I encourage kids and families to rethink what exercise means. It does not have to be running on a treadmill or lifting weights. It can be spinning a hoop, jumping on a trampoline, playing tag, or dancing in your living room. The goal is to just move—to find something you love that keeps your heart working and your body strong.
Heart Health Is More Than Just Exercise
Through Connecting With Cardio, I work to teach kids and families that heart health is about more than just staying active. It is about:
Understanding what you put in your body – Choosing real, fresh foods that fuel you instead of highly processed snacks that slow you down.
Paying attention to your numbers – Blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart rate are not just things for adults to worry about. Knowing them early can make all the difference.
Getting enough sleep – Poor sleep can lead to high blood pressure, weight gain, and increased risk of heart disease. Making sure you get enough rest helps your heart recover and function properly.
Managing stress – Stress affects the heart more than many people realize. Finding healthy ways to cope, like deep breathing, exercise, or simply taking time to unwind, can lower the risk of heart disease.
Recognizing the signs of heart disease – Many people do not know that heart attack symptoms can look different in women than in men. Education is key.
Taking care of your heart is about creating small, daily habits that add up over time. Whether it is making better food choices, prioritizing rest, or finding ways to manage stress, every step counts toward a healthier future.
Bringing the Message to West Virginia and Beyond
As Miss Morgantown, I have the opportunity to take Connecting With Cardio into schools, libraries, and community spaces, helping people see heart health in a new way. Whether it is through a Hula-thon fundraiser, a reading event for kids, or speaking about the importance of movement, I want to make heart health something that is approachable and exciting.
I am also honored to be partnering with the West Virginia American Heart Association and the Morgantown Heart Walk to continue spreading awareness. Through these collaborations, I will be engaging with the community through social media campaigns, live events, and fundraising efforts, all with the goal of creating a healthier West Virginia—one heartbeat at a time.
But the need for awareness and prevention extends far beyond my home state. Across the country, millions of families are facing the same battles with heart disease that mine has. That is why Connecting With Cardio is more than just a local initiative—it is a movement for anyone, anywhere, who wants to take charge of their heart health.
West Virginia’s heart health story does not have to stay the same. Neither does the nation’s. Together, we can rewrite it. One small habit, one good choice, one heartbeat at a time.