SAN ANTONIO, Texas, April 30, 2024 — The American Heart Association, the world’s leading voluntary organization focused on heart and brain health for all, is hosting the 2024 San Antonio Heart Ball Friday, May 3 at the McCombs Center Rosenberg Skyroom.
The annual gala is the culmination of the year-round Heart of San Antonio campaign, an initiative that brings together community leaders to invest and make an impact in the health of San Antonians by expanding CPR education and helping residents control their blood pressure. The Heart Ball marks a moment in time to reflect, honor and celebrate the progress made through the determination, dedication and passion of all who support the Heart of San Antonio.
This year’s ball will feature the story of Tonya Michele Hope, media manager for the San Antonio International Airport. Hope discovered during an annual checkup as an adult that she was born with a congenital heart defect. She went about living a healthy lifestyle, watching her diet and exercising regularly.
Then in 2011 at age 30, after an unrelated medical procedure, her recovery was not on mark with what she anticipated or expected.
“I was tired, and my energy levels were dropping, so I scheduled an appointment with my cardiologist to determine what was going on in my 44-year-old body,” said Hope.
Hope had valve replacement surgery on Oct. 7, 2011, and made a full recovery.
“My cardiologist and surgeon stressed my healthy choices were important in my road to recovery,” she said. She had given up running after high school but started back following her surgery, in addition to Zumba, yoga, dance classes and Pilates. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, she was running 4-5 5K races per year.
“The journey took me to Las Vegas, Memphis, St. Louis, Atlanta, and a few other states,” she said. One goal of hers is to run a 5K in Hawaii. But she’s also learned to take time to relax, mostly with art.
“Art is my peaceful, happy place,” she said.
The 2024 San Antonio Heart Ball is sponsored locally by the Arthur O’Krent Golf Classic. Patrons at the event will enjoy an evening of dining and dancing to tunes by DJ Genafire.
For 100 years, the American Heart Association has saved and improved lives, pioneered scientific discovery and advocated for healthy public policies in communities across the country. These bold moves are fueled by our mission to be a relentless force for longer, healthier lives. They have helped transform our nation’s health and significantly reduce heart disease and stroke death rates. But these gains have not been shared equitably. Black, Hispanic, Native American, Native Hawaiian, Asian American, Pacific Islander and LGBTQ+ people have suffered and died disproportionately. So have people in historically underrepresented communities all over the country. With Bold Hearts™ and powered by science, we pledge to work relentlessly to eliminate heart disease and stroke, optimize brain health and ensure equitable health in every community.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries
Cyd King: M 479.263.8473; cyd.king@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org