CLEVELAND – May 8, 2024 – The American Heart Association, the world’s leading voluntary organization focused on heart and brain health for all, proudly announces the recipients of the 2024 Greater Cleveland Heart & Stroke Ball Guiding Values Awards.

Bradley Marino, MD, MPP, MSCE, MBA and Chair, Pediatric Cardiology at Cleveland Clinic Children’s, has been named the winner of the Extending & Improving People’s Lives Award, sponsored by The Durham Family.

This award recognizes his dedication as a healthcare clinician in combatting cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Dr. Marino, who has been a part of the American Heart Association, Greater Cleveland Board of Directors since 2021, also serves as a professor of pediatrics at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University, chair of the Department of Pediatric Cardiology at Cleveland Clinic Children's and the executive co-director of the Pediatric and Adult Congenital Heart Center at Cleveland Clinic.

Mina K. Chung, MD, and a staff cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic, has been honored with the Bringing Science to Life Award, sponsored by Millcraft Paper Company.

This award recognizes her steadfast and innovative research work related to cardiovascular health. For many advancements, the American Heart Association relies on volunteer scientists and lay stakeholders to ensure funding for the most high-impact and ground-breaking research.

Dr. Chung is a staff cardiologist in the Section of Pacing and Electrophysiology, The Robert and Suzanne Tomsich Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, at Cleveland Clinic. Her innovative research in cardiovascular and neurological health has made significant strides in advancing treatments and protocols for these devastating diseases. She has been principal investigator or co-investigator in several important clinical trials studying atrial fibrillation, supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias, cardioversion, pacemaker and defibrillator therapy, biventricular pacing for heart failure and catheter ablation approaches.

Nicole Ward, executive director and co-founder of the Make Them Know Your Name Foundation, has been named the recipient of the Live Fierce. Stand for All Award, sponsored by The Jacobs Family.

This award recognizes Ward’s work as a catalyst for healthier lives for everyone, everywhere, regardless of who they are or where they live.

Make Them Know Your Name (MTKYN) is a heart health foundation propelled by individuals and organizations willing to take action to positively impact the heart disease epidemic. Nicole and her family experienced first-hand the unexpected loss of their patriarch, Paul G. Ward Jr., to cardiac arrest while he participated in a spin class. He was 46 years old. His premature death left behind a purpose and a legacy to carry on. MTKYN has a mission to spread resources, education, and awareness for heart health and CPR and AED training within the Cleveland community and beyond.

"We are proud to honor Dr. Bradley Marino, Dr. Mina Chung and Nicole Ward for their exceptional contributions to health and well-being in our community," said Shelley Webber, executive director of the American Heart Association, Greater Cleveland. "Their dedication and leadership inspire us all to strive for healthier lives for everyone, everywhere."

The Guiding Values Awards highlight the American Heart Association's commitment to promoting cardiovascular health and advancing research to improve outcomes for individuals and communities. These deserving winners exemplify the organization's values of compassion, innovation and advocacy.

The three recipients will be honored during the American Heart Association’s 30th annual Greater Cleveland Heart & Stroke Ball on Friday, June 14 at Severance Hall.

For more information about the American Heart Association Greater Cleveland and its initiatives, please visit www.heart.org/ohio.


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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:
Jordan Van Dootingh, Director of Communications
Jordan.vandootingh@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) 
heart.org and stroke.org