TULSA, March 11, 2026 — The American Heart Association, a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, announced today that the 2026 Tulsa Heart Ball Campaign raised $900,000 to support critical research, community programs and equitable care initiatives across Oklahoma. The signature event, held Feb. 27 and chaired by Faith and David Helmerich, welcomed 500 guests for an evening of celebration, mission impact and heartfelt storytelling.
One of the most powerful moments of the evening centered on young heart survivor Parker Lee Helmerich, whose extraordinary medical journey – including open‑heart surgery, a heart transplant and 347 days in the hospital – was featured in a special program presentation. Parker’s family shared the theme “Just Keep Swimming,” a mantra inspired by a fish‑shaped bead from the hospital’s Beads of Courage program, symbolizing his resilience and upstream battles. The boy’s parents, Faith and David Helmerich, were the event co-chairs.
“Parker is a living miracle,” said Kennady Irwin, senior development director for the American Heart Association-Tulsa and director of the Tulsa Heart Ball. “His story is a testament to the power of medical innovation, the dedication of care teams and the hope that organizations like the American Heart Association make possible.”
This year’s event also celebrated 41 Sweethearts and Mavericks, local teens who committed months of service, learning and leadership to support heart and brain health. Collectively, they contributed more than $180,000 to the year‑round Tulsa Heart Ball campaign, significantly advancing the total funds raised.
The 2026 Heart Ball was supported by a dedicated executive leadership team that helped shape an evening rooted in community impact. Guests participated in mission programming, a live auction and Open Your Heart giving, fueling work that includes groundbreaking research, CPR and AED education, prevention initiatives and support for families facing heart disease and stroke.
“Your decision to give is more than a paddle raise – it is a commitment to funding lifesaving research, advancing equitable care and ensuring that families facing heart disease and stroke have access to the breakthroughs they deserve,” wrote Irwin and American Heart Association-Tulsa executive director Megan Korn in a post‑event letter to donors.
Parker’s story underscored the heart of the evening – and the heart of the mission.
“There were days we didn’t know if Parker would make it,” said Faith Helmerich said. “But with faith, expert care and Parker’s determination, he did.”
Now thriving at home, Parker continues to inspire supporters across Tulsa and beyond.
The Tulsa Heart Ball brings together community leaders, medical professionals and supporters committed to creating a world free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Funds raised help fuel research discovery, health equity efforts and community programs that save and improve lives. For more information about supporting the Tulsa Heart Ball or getting involved with the American Heart Association, visit heart.org/TulsaHeartBall or contact Kennady Irwin at Kennady.Irwin@heart.org.
For sponsorship opportunities with the 2027 Tulsa Heart Ball, contact Kennady Irwin at Kennady.Irwin@heart.org.
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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 a 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
Cyd King: cyd.king@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
