Chicago, IL – January 28, 2025– Dr. Sheetal Patel, a fetal cardiologist with Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital was named the American Heart Association Chicago 2024 Leaders of Impact™ winner for her work driving equitable cardiovascular health in Chicago. In Chicago, life expectancy varies by 30 years [1] between the downtown Streeterville community and the South Side neighborhood of Englewood. This gap is a result of social drivers of health, deeply rooted inequities related to public policies, institutional practices, cultural representations and other norms which often reinforce inequities in health.
Over the course of seven weeks, Patel participated in a fundraising competition alongside six other professionals from the city of Chicago and surrounding suburbs. Patel was named the 2024 Leaders of Impact winner after raising the most funds and rallying her family and village to raise awareness about heart health. In January, Patel and the other local Leaders of Impact nominees and winners, were highlighted in a feature on the Leaders of Impact campaign in Forbes Magazine titled, “Pioneers of Progress in Heart Health.”
The Chicago market also piloted the brand new “Moment of Impact” activation. “Moment of Impact,” was the American Heart Association’s national celebration experience to honor local Leaders of Impact nominees and share how the American Heart Association is leading the charge for greater health equity nationwide. Dr. Patel, her family and impact team gathered at her home to celebrate her victory on a livestreamed broadcast.
“Dr. Patel and all of our nominees are a key component of Heart of Chicago’s push to advance CPR knowledge in Chicago,” Samantha Netluch, a development director with the American Heart Association. “Far too many Chicago residents live their lives without invaluable knowledge from CPR to healthy eating, to the right questions to ask during a doctor visit – an issue we are actively trying to address.”
“This information can be preventative and, in extreme cases, be the difference between survival, death or disability,” continued Brittany Walsh, executive director of the American Heart Association, Chicago. “Through the trailblazing efforts put forth by our Leaders of Impact cohort, more Chicagoans will not just survive but thrive armed with resources to help them make healthy choices in every area of their lives.”
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S.1 In addition, an aging, more diverse population, along with a significant increase in heart disease and stroke risk factors among younger people are expected to nearly triple the nation’s price tag on cardiovascular disease (CVD) by 2050, according to new published projections from the American Heart Association.
“In my day-to-day work, I’m responsible for caring for the hearts of our youngest generation. No child should have their life cut short or altered by a congenital heart defect and no family should lose time with their loved one because of cardiovascular disease,” Patel said. “I’m grateful to my family, friends, colleagues and Impact Team for helping me spread awareness and raise funds that will give Chicagoans of all ages, the knowledge to save lives, so everyone, of every age has more time to live the life they deserve with the people they cherish.”
For more than 100 years, the American Heart Association has driven change by removing barriers to health, investing in groundbreaking research, educating health care professionals and patients, and advocating for healthy policies. In Chicago, the Association is specifically focused on addressing the social determinants of health that interfere with Chicagoans receiving CPR education, so they are equipped to act in a cardiac emergency. This year, Heart of Chicago has raised more than $15,000 to donate CPR kits to schools and honored Heather Baker, an elementary school principal and cardiac arrest survivor during its annual Counsel for a Cause event in October. The 2024 Chicago Leaders of Impact campaign also raised more than $300,000 toward expanding health equity in the Windy City. Chicago’s total revenue helped it clinch the title for the No. 3 Leaders of Impact campaign in the nation.
Leaders of Impact launched on Oct. 17 in hundreds of cities across the nation and culminated on Dec. 4. Each nominee’s participation is focused on opportunities to be a changemaker with a shared purpose to raise critical awareness and fund the mission of the American Heart Association.
Other local nominees included:
- Amy Grace
- Michael Carpanzano
- Kadi Underwood
- Mary Mannucci
- Steven Shell
- Zach Gardner
For more information about Leaders of Impact and a list of all the 2024 nominees, please visit leadersofimpact.heart.org or http://www2.heart.org/ChicagoLeaders.
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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:
Jorie Goins: (312) 298-9335; Jorie.Goins@Heart.org
Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org