HAMPTON ROADS, Va., June 1, 2026 — On May 15, the 2026 Hampton Roads Heart Ball brought together community leaders, volunteers and survivors in a celebration of progress and purpose. This evening highlighted the importance of healthy living and the ongoing effort to ensure access to high-quality and equitable care in Hampton Roads. The critical funds raised will help support the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone, everywhere.
“Together, we exceeded our campaign goal and are bringing more awareness and solutions to address nutrition insecurity and improve heart health across our region,” said Heart Ball Chair Shannon O. Pierce. “Thank you to everyone who supported this campaign. While this year’s Heart Ball may be over, the work continues.”
The Hampton Roads Heart Ball is a culmination of the year-round Heart of Hampton Roads campaign to improve and save lives from heart disease and stroke. It marks a moment in time to reflect, honor and celebrate the progress made through the discovery of groundbreaking research, improving access to quality health care, advocating for efforts and equipping communities with lifesaving knowledge.
Over 400 guests were moved by the acknowledgment of the 11-year life expectancy gap between living in Virginia Beach and Surry County, just 60 miles apart. Throughout the event, four local community leaders were honored for excellence in the American Hert Association’s four chambers of impact: access, discovery, knowledge and advocacy, further bringing the mission to life in Hampton Roads. We were also honored to celebrate our 2026 R. Bryan Grinnan Memorial Research Award winner, Teresita Hammond, whose leadership and commitment embody the very best of Hampton Roads. Virginia Natural Gas served as the Platform Sponsor for this year’s event held at The Westin Virginia Beach Town Center, which was hosted by Tom Schaad and Aesia Toliver from WAVY-TV 10.
“Every moment of the evening was bigger and better than we all could have imagined,” said Charlene Grabowski, Chairperson of the American Heart Association Hampton Roads Board of Directors. “What makes this celebration even more meaningful is the impact behind it. Because of this community’s support, we can continue advancing our nutrition security work across Hampton Roads, ensuring more families have access to healthy food, education and resources that support longer, healthier lives.”
The American Heart Association is the world’s leading nonprofit organization that focuses on heart and brain health. For more information on how to support the American Heart Association in Hampton Roads visit heart.org/Virginia.
Editor’s Note: Heart Ball photos can be found here. Photo credit to the American Heart Association.
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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, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173
Audry Dubon: Audry.Dubon@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
