Riding at the top of the nation’s leading causes of death is heart disease and stroke.

Feb. 12 will be a day for Wood County to fight against heart disease and show community support for the annual American Heart Association Heart Walk.

Promoting physical living and healthy lifestyles, the walk honors survivors who have fought against heart disease.

This year’s event goal is $70,000 that can be raised in two ways. According to Heart Walk coordinator Sarah Humphrey, the easiest way is to the use the American Heart Association’s website to gather sponsors and collect donations.

In a 3.1-mile walk at Perry Field House, companies, University organizations and community members will walk to raise money to bring more heart disease research and awareness to the people who need it most — which is everyone.

Humphrey suggests that organizations create a Web site with pictures of the Heart Walk team or personal accounts of people that have faced heart disease.

“It is a great way to get friends and family to pay attention by sending out the Web link in a mass e-mail,” she said. “Anyone can then look at the organization’s Web page and make donations online to the team.”

Since not everyone is comfortable with computer technology, the American Heart Association will send an envelope upon request to individuals who wish to ask for sponsors and donations face to face.

Each person or team is encouraged to work to raise $100, and those who reach this goal will receive a free T-shirt. The American Heart Association will hand over a prize catalog to choose items from to those who go over and beyond in donations.

Children can also participate, and there will be a “Kids’ Corner” with face painting and games and a chance to learn about their heart.

“This is the perfect time to hop on board,” Humphrey said. “With three weeks until the walk, it’s not too late.”

For more sponsor and registration information go to www.americanheart.org or call 419-841-7006 for a donation envelope.