TYLER, Texas, Sept. 12, 2024  — As plans are underway for the 2025 Tyler Heart Ball, Dana Skaf, CEO of Heaton Eye Associates, has been named chairperson of this year’s community-wide campaign. The Heart Ball celebrates progress made through the dedication and passion of all who support the American Heart Association’s year-round effort aimed at investing in and saving and improving lives in east Texas.

“Dana exemplifies true leadership and commitment as a distinguished leader in the healthcare industry here in Tyler and is the ideal person to head our Heart Ball campaign,” said American Heart Association Region Vice President of Development Michelle Stoddard. “We welcome Dana to our signature initiative that centers around better health for every individual by focusing on critical issues and work to equitably improve and save lives.”

The campaign will culminate with the Tyler Heart Ball set for Feb. 15, 2025, at Willow Brook Country Club. Throughout the evening, the American Heart Association, the world’s leading voluntary organization focused on heart and brain health for all, will honor volunteers and patrons, feature stories of survivors and entertain guests with dinner, dancing to The Pictures Band and an auction.

Skaf, of Bullard, has more than 25 years’ experience in the healthcare industry and holds a master’s in business administration in healthcare management, as well as a certification in lifestyle medicine coaching from Harvard Medical School. She is involved in the American Heart Association’s Circle of Red giving group and has participated in numerous initiatives, including fundraising events, community outreach programs and educational campaigns. Skaf has served on several committees, helping organize events such as the Heart Walk and the Stroke Conference for Women.

She has witnessed firsthand the disparities in health outcomes and access to care that affect Tyler and its surrounding communities.

“Volunteering with the American Heart Association allows me to contribute to meaningful change and work towards eliminating these inequities,” Skaf said. “The Association’s dedication to health equity and its 2024 Impact Goal resonates with my personal and professional values, inspiring me to be part of an organization that strives to ensure every person has the opportunity for a full, healthy life.”

The Tyler Heart Ball is supported by Legacy sponsor Tyler Cardiovascular Consultants and Ignite Your Heart sponsors Mercedes Benz of Tyler, A S Genecov Foundation, Delek and Dakotas. Media support is by Tyler Today magazine.

For 100 years, the American Heart Association has saved and improved lives, pioneered scientific discovery and advocated for healthy public policies in communities across the country. These bold moves are fueled by our mission to be a relentless force for longer, healthier lives. They have helped transform our nation’s health and significantly reduce heart disease and stroke death rates. But these gains have not been shared equitably. Black, Hispanic, Native American, Native Hawaiian, Asian American, Pacific Islander and LGBTQ+ people have suffered and died disproportionately. So have people in historically underrepresented communities all over the country. With Bold Hearts™ and powered by science, we pledge to work relentlessly to eliminate heart disease and stroke, optimize brain health and ensure equitable health in every community.

For more information on how to support or attend the Tyler Heart Ball, visit heart.org/TylerHeartBall or contact Teresa.Boardman@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.orgFacebookX 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