Delaney Roberts has been a spokesperson for the Heart Healthy Hunting campaign since its inception and is part of West Virginia’s first ever Youth Advocacy Group.
When I first got involved with the West Virginia chapter of the American Heart Association, I had no idea it would become such a big part of my life. What started as a simple Facebook connection has turned into a mission that’s incredibly personal and close to my heart — literally and figuratively.
A few years ago, my mom saw a post from someone helping start a new campaign called Heart Healthy Hunting. They asked, “Does anyone know someone who has passed away from a heart attack or stroke while hunting?” My mom replied with a simple “yes.” She had no idea that one word would completely change my life.
You see, I’ve lost not one, but two people I love deeply — my grandpa and my uncle — both to heart attacks while hunting. My grandpa passed away while dragging his deer out of the woods, and about five years later, my uncle died during what was supposed to be a dream hunting trip to Colorado with his boys. The excitement, the long drive, the physical effort — it was all just too much for his heart.
Losing them was devastating. They were both strong, passionate outdoorsmen who loved every part of the hunt. But those losses also opened my eyes to something that I think many people overlook: how physically demanding and heart-taxing hunting can be.
Hunting isn’t like most sports that are played by young, fit athletes. Hunters come from every age group — from teenagers to grandparents — and often, they don’t think about how the excitement, the cold, and the physical exertion can affect their heart. You’ve got the adrenaline rush of the hunt, the effort of climbing tree stands, hiking through rough terrain, hanging stands, dragging and dressing deer — all while battling freezing temperatures. It’s a great deal for anybody, and especially for a heart that might already be under strain.
That realization is what led me to say “yes” when the Heart Healthy Hunting campaign asked to share my story. I still remember that first interview like it was yesterday. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I cried through most of it because my grandpa wasn’t just family — he was my person. But even through the tears, I knew it was important. I didn’t realize then that it would open the door to something so meaningful and lasting.
Fast forward four years, and I’m now a proud member of the Youth Advocacy Committee with the American Heart Association – West Virginia. My personal platform is Heart Healthy Hunting, and through it, I’ve had the opportunity to share my story all across West Virginia — through local news, online publications, and community events. My goal has always been to encourage people to think about heart health before heading out into the woods.
I always tell hunters:
• Know your limits. Listen to your body.
• Get your blood pressure checked. Make screenings a routine part of your year.
• Learn the warning signs of heart attack and stroke.
• Have a plan. Make sure someone knows where you’ll be hunting and when you plan to return.
• Keep a way to communicate in case something goes wrong — because it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
It means a lot to know that my voice and advocacy have made a difference. I’ve been lucky to play a small role in helping pass two heart-health-related bills in West Virginia that protect students’ safety in schools. It’s been incredible to see how a deeply personal story can help drive real change.
This journey — and my family’s history of cardiac disease — have also inspired my future. I’m currently pursuing a degree in cardiac sonography, with the hope of helping others prevent or survive heart events. My dream is simple: if I can help even one person avoid the pain my family went through, then every bit of this has been worth it.
What started with my mom’s one-word response on Facebook has turned into a calling that continues to shape my life. I’ve learned that sharing your story can be one of the most powerful tools for change.
So, as hunting season begins, I hope my story reminds everyone out there to take care of your heart before you head into the woods. Have a plan, know your body, and make heart health part of your hunting tradition.
Because at the end of the day, the most important thing isn’t the deer you bring home — it’s making sure you come home.
-Delaney Roberts