AKRON (October 7, 2024) — During its centennial year, the American Heart Association’s Akron-Canton Heart Ball raised more than $110,000 to advance its lifesaving mission into the second century.
The gala, held Friday, Oct. 4 at House Three Thirty in Akron, reflected on the past century of being a relentless force for a world of longer healthier lives and committed to yet another century of fighting the community’s No. 1 health threat.
“Since our founding in 1924, deaths from cardiovascular disease have been cut in half. And yet – there are still so many lives to be saved,” said Lisa Wheeler-Cooper, executive director of the American Heart Association, Northeast Ohio. “It’s been a century of bold scientific discovery, a century of fighting for health equity and a century of spreading critical knowledge. It’s been a century of saving lives, and we’re just getting started.”
The evening featured a live auction, dinner and dancing, along with emotional stories of local people impacted by heart disease and stroke.
“At the age of 89, my father underwent open-heart surgery. Doctors repaired two valves and replaced another with a pig valve,” John Mercer, Co-Chair of the 2024 Akron-Canton Heart Ball, explained in a speech at the event. “Because of the bold advancements in science and research that is driven by the American Heart Association, we got to enjoy eight more years with my dad. That’s what tonight is all about – helping everyone, everywhere live longer, healthier lives.”
Heart disease is still the No. 1 killer in the Akron-Canton area. The money raised at the 2024 Akron-Canton Heart Ball will help fund CPR training and education, blood pressure machines, STEM Goes Red and advocacy campaigns.
The 2024 Akron-Canton Heart Ball was sponsored by the Herbert W. Hoover Foundation, MarkerMan, Ray Bertolini Trucking and Fred Olivieri Construction.
For more information on how to support the American Heart Association, visit https://www.heart.org/heartofakroncanton.
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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:
Chelsea Caldwell; chelsea.caldwell@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org