Corpus Christi, November 11, 2024 — For more than 100 years, the American Heart Association has committed to advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Through Heart of Corpus Christi’s Heart Ball campaign, Dolly and Dr. Greg Trolley, along with Michelle and Philip Ramirez, will lead community-wide efforts to help ensure every individual in Corpus Christi has the opportunity for a full, healthy life. The Heart Ball celebrates hope and progress made through the dedication and passion of all who support the American Heart Association’s efforts to make an impact on the health of the community. These efforts include the relentless pursuit of scientific discovery, public policy change, equitable health for the under resourced and underrepresented, and education to equip the community to take control of their health.  

“The Trolley’s demonstrate outstanding leadership and dedication as business leaders and local advocates, serving on several boards and remaining active in local politics as they work to improve equity in education and health.  Their passion and commitment to the American Heart Association’s mission, deep understanding of community needs, and unwavering drive to make a difference positions them as the perfect choice to lead this event,” says Amy Canterbury, Director of the American Heart Association’s Heart Ball. “We welcome the Trolleys to the Heart of Corpus Christi, an initiative that centers around better health for every individual by focusing on critical issues and work to equitably improve and save lives.” 

The Trolleys have made a career of advocating for their community.  In addition to 25 years of working as a consultant in the political and fundraising arena, Mrs. Trolley has served on the board of Corpus Christi ISD and Amistad Community Health Center.  After serving as a doctor in the Air Force for several years, Dr. Trolley joined the team at Corpus Chrisi Neurology where he has been serving local residents ever since. Together, they are also highly involved in the Special Olympics organization. 

“We see the local impact the American Heart Association is making not just in our schools and in local anti-vaping education, but also with the training and education it provides to medical professionals in the field.”, commented Greg.  “We are thrilled to be a part of this wonderful chapter and serve along the Ramirez’s as co-chairpersons”.  

The Ramirez family have likewise been long standing pillars in the Corpus Christi community.  Philip, President of Turner Ramirez Architects is a native of the Coastal Bend area and has served on several boards dedicated to the betterment of the community throughout his professional career, including Driscoll Children’s Hospital.  Michelle Ramirez, former Director of Revenue Cycle for Driscoll Children’s Hospital and current CFO of Turner Ramirez Architects, also spent much of her career volunteering and advocating for others.  From Meals on Wheels to American College of Healthcare Executives, Michelle’s work within the community has made tremendous impact for local residents.  

“I am honored to serve as the 2025 Corpus Christi Heart Ball co-chairperson,” said Michelle Ramirez. “Philip and I feel it’s important to know how to support one another in times of medical crisis and prevention. Having lost my father-in-law to complications from congestive heart failure, we are keenly aware of how important it is to build community and education around these topics. I am eager to work with our outstanding team of volunteers and the American Heart Association to drive change by removing barriers to health, investing in groundbreaking research, delivering impactful health education and advocating for healthy policies. It takes a village to make a lasting impact, and we must do whatever it takes to create a better tomorrow for all people in Corpus Christi.” 

“Philip and Michelle Ramirez have been a powerful voice in our community, and we are delighted to have them head this year’s Heart Ball”, commented Erin Wilder, Executive Director of American Heart Association Corpus Christi. “The energy and expertise they bring to our mission are already making a significant impact.” 

The 2025 Corpus Christi Heart Ball is sponsored by Christus Spohn Health Systems and will be held on February 22, 2025, at American Bank Center. Through CHRISTUS Spohn Health System’s Life Is Why sponsorship, our CPR kiosk is still making an incredible impact at La Palmera Mall. Since it’s installation, over 15,000 have visited the kiosk to learn hands-only CPR and that number continues to rise. Through generous 2024 Heart Ball sponsorships, the Association was able to order 800 CPR Anytime Kits, 5 CPR in Schools kits, 5 CPR in Youth Sports Kits, and 90 self-measured blood pressure cuffs.  The presentation of these items includes life-saving training and has been placed in schools and community centers. 

This annual event is a night to celebrate the Association’s year-round efforts to break down barriers to health in Corpus Christi as well as the launch of a new pilot program, Nation of Lifesavers. Throughout the evening, the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health, will honor volunteers and patrons, feature stories of survivors, and entertain guests with dinner, dancing and an exciting auction. For more information on how to support or attend the Corpus Christi Heart Ball, contact Amy Canterbury at amy.canterbury@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. 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:  

Zahra Cruzan 

Zahra.cruzan@heart.org 

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) 

heart.org and stroke.org