MILWAUKEE, July 8, 2024 — For M3 Elevate Vice President Becky Menefee, the inspiration to become involved goes deep into her family history.

And it’s from those many struggles with heart disease and stroke that have led her to become the latest chair of the Heart of Milwaukee campaign.

The American Heart Association’s Heart of Milwaukee campaign is a year-round effort culminating at the annual Heart and Stroke Ball, which will be held Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, at The Pfister Hotel. The initiative raises funds to support the American Heart Association’s mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives while supporting priority issues in Milwaukee.

Menefee said her original inspiration came from her grandfather, who died several years ago from a heart attack and stroke. Her father unknowingly had several heart attacks that he was unaware of until those were diagnosed by an electrocardiogram, and most recently her mother suffered a massive heart attack last January.

In her mother’s case, Menefee said one stent was implanted in the emergency room that saved her life, followed by four more stents several weeks later.

“Chairing the Heart of Milwaukee campaign is fueled by my family’s history with heart disease and stroke,” Menefee said. “I am so thankful to the American Heart Association for their work, particularly around the stent technology that saved my mother’s life.

“This year’s campaign is for my family and your family. The American Heart Association’s future is about improving yours, and I’m committed to doing that. Let there be more weddings, anniversaries or movie nights together.”

This year’s Heart of Milwaukee campaign is sponsored by Ascension Wisconsin, Fiserv, Hillenbrand and M3. The campaign is focused on health equity – driving equitable health for every person in our community, especially as it relates to CPR, nutrition security, access to care and controlling blood pressure.

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.

“Becky exemplifies true leadership and commitment as vice president of M3 Elevate here in southeastern Wisconsin and is the ideal person to head our Heart of Milwaukee campaign,” Milwaukee American Heart Association Executive Director Katie Connolly said. “As a trusted member of this community, she understands the impact the mission and work of the American Heart Association can have on every person who lives in this area. We welcome Becky to the Heart of Milwaukee, an initiative that centers around better health for every individual by focusing on critical issues and work to equitably improve and save lives.”

For more about the Heart of Milwaukee Campaign, email American Heart Association Vice President of Development Director Bethany Klein at Bethany.Klein@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 nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.  


For Media Inquiries:
Dan Truttschel, dan.truttschel@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org