GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan, April 15, 2024 — Plans are underway for the 2024 Grand Rapids Heart Ball as part of a year-long celebration of the American Heart Association’s 100-year anniversary of saving and improving lives, pioneering scientific discovery and advocating for healthier communities.

The Heart Ball raises vital funds to ensure equitable health, critical research and the support of our lifesaving work in Grand Rapids continues into the next century. With Bold Hearts™ and support from donors, we have helped transform our community and significantly reduce heart disease and stroke death rates.

In fact, in the last 50-plus years, deaths from cardiovascular diseases have been reduced by over 70%. In the last 25 years, stroke deaths have reduced by 37%.

“Progress doesn’t happen without Bold Hearts trailblazing new paths of scientific discovery, working tirelessly to remove barriers to health equity and advocating for healthier communities,” said Jana Siminski, executive director of the American Heart Association, West Michigan. “Throughout the past century, the American Heart Association has moved health and well-being forward in so many important and critical ways.”

The 2024 Grand Rapids Heart Ball will be held Thursday, April 25 at the Goei Center in Grand Rapids. The event begins at 6 p.m. and will feature a VIP reception, cocktail hour, full dinner program and a live auction.

This year’s Heart Ball features 18-year-old cardiac arrest survivor, Jake Chapman. Jake came home from school one afternoon last fall and, while in the kitchen, his dad, Chad Chapman heard him collapse. Jake had a cardiac arrest. Thankfully, Chad had taken an American Heart Association certified CPR course and knew what to do. He pushed hard and fast on the center of Jake’s chest and Jake’s mom, Rachel called 9-1-1 until help arrived.

“Jake may not be here today if it wasn’t for the science of CPR and the American Heart Association’s commitment to educating the community on these crucial lifesaving skills,” Rachel Chapman said. “We need to work together to ensure at least one person in every household in West Michigan knows the steps to save a life and that every school, school event, and athletics staff have the resources they need to be ready to jump in, in case of a cardiac emergency.”

After months of rehab, this winter Jake got back on the Unity Christian basketball court. He’s back to doing what he loves.

Dr. Ronald Grifka, chief medical officer at University of Michigan Health-West, will co-chair the Heart Ball Centennial campaign alongside community advocate, Mindy Seufert.

“I am honored to return to join Dr. Grifka as co-chair of the 2024 Grand Rapids Heart Ball,” Seufert said. “Jake’s story resonates with all of us – especially as a mom of a teenage son who experienced several life-threatening heart-conditions. The work of the American Heart Association is more important than ever, and I know first-hand the value of the impact we can make when we walk alongside each other.”

The 2024 Grand Rapids Heart Ball is presented by the Cardiovascular Network of West Michigan – a partnership between University of Michigan Health-West and Trinity Health.

“We know research will lead to a cure for these leading causes of death and disability,” Dr. Grifka said. ”We are proud to support the bold investments that have already led to significant medical advancements including the first artificial heart valve, implantable pacemakers, cholesterol-lowering medications and techniques for CPR.”

The American Heart Association has invested over $24 million in research at Michigan universities and in the last year, trained over 280,000 Michiganders in the lifesaving skills of Hands-Only CPR.

For more information on how to support or attend the Grand Rapids Heart Ball, visit our website at heart.org/grandrapidsheartball or contact Jana Siminski at jana.siminski@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:

Matt Johnson, Communications Director, matt.johnson@heart.org 

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org