TULSA, March 1, 2024 — The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, has named the Cottom family – parents Karissa and Darren along with son Collin and daughter Claire – as chairpersons of the Heart of Tulsa campaign. In their roles, the Cottoms are focused on driving equitable health for every member of our community, with a special focus on CPR education and raising $350,000 to support the lifesaving work of the organization.
Collin Cottom, a senior at Cascia Hall Preparatory School, suffered sudden cardiac arrest and collapsed on the football field while playing a game in August 2022. He was saved by two bystanders trained in CPR and the use of an AED. Collin was diagnosed with Brugada syndrome, which is a genetic disorder that can cause a dangerous irregular heartbeat, especially during sleep or at rest. Collin had an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator inserted in his chest.
“His life was saved a second time this fall when he went into ventricular fibrillation while playing basketball with friends,” said his mom, Karissa, said. Collin is now on antiarrhythmic medication that he will need to take for the rest of his life.
“The American Heart Association has invested more than $5 billion in research funding for heart disease and syndromes like Brugada,” she continued. “It gives us hope that Collin will live to see a cure in his lifetime, freeing him of his device and medicine.” Since then, the family has united for the need for Cardiac Emergency Response Plans, or CERPS, in all Oklahoma schools. “The AHA has given us a platform for us to share our family’s story to educate others.”
Karissa Cottom is vice president and assistant general counsel-litigation and operations Services for the Williams Companies in Tulsa. Darren Cottom is account director for Manhattan Construction Co. Before Collin’s heart diagnosis, Darren was diagnosed with AFib, a type of arrhythmia, or abnormal heartbeat, in 2021 and had a cardiac ablation in October 2022. Claire Cottom is a sophomore at Cascia Hall.
The Cottoms are leading a year-long campaign, culminating in the ball on May 11 at The Mayo Hotel. The Tulsa Heart Ball unites the community in celebrating progress toward equitable health and honoring survivors of heart disease and stroke.
“We are thrilled to have the Cottoms’ knowledge, conviction and passion to help raise critical funds to advance the science and the policies that will lead to longer, healthier lives for all,” said Kennady Johnson, development director for the Tulsa Heart Ball.
The dollars raised by the Heart of Tulsa campaign fund the mission of the American Heart Association to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives while supporting priority issues in Tulsa. CPR education has been identified by the American Heart Association Tulsa board for 2024 to propel work to support the Association’s 2024 Health Equity Impact Goal, reducing barriers to health care access and quality.
The Cottoms are working with a committee of volunteer leaders that includes:
- Sara Barry, retired
- Chad McLain, founding partner, Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
- Chris Pendergrass, Eastern Americas regional HSE manager Aristocrat Gaming
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.
To learn more about the Tulsa Heart Ball, visit www.heart.org/tulsaheartball
or contact Kennady.Johnson@heart.org for more information.
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
Cyd King: M 479.263.8473; cyd.king@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org