FORT WORTH, May 5, 2026 — In Tarrant County, where families, physicians, business leaders and volunteers are working side by side to save lives, one evening captured the real-world impact of that shared commitment. The 2026 Tarrant County Heart Ball brought together hundreds of supporters for a night of celebration, benefiting the American Heart Association’s mission to fight heart disease and stroke across all ages.
The Heart Ball, a yearlong Heart of Tarrant County initiative, is on track to raise more than $1 million. This year’s event was held at The Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel and was hosted by Madison Sawyer, anchor and reporter for CBS News Texas. Throughout the program, Sawyer shared her personal connection to heart health and how heart disease has impacted her own family, reinforcing why the American Heart Association’s mission resonates so deeply within the community.
Kristin Whitley Smith, president of Mooring USA and chair of the 2026 Tarrant County Heart Ball, reminded guests that, “The Heart Ball reflects what is possible when our community comes together with a shared purpose.” Whitley added, “Every dollar raised represents hope for families and fuels the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association right here in Tarrant County.”
With the event’s emphasis on pediatric efforts, the featured heart story highlighted a student from Birdville ISD. Months before the event, Stevie McElroy and her family agreed to share their story at the Heart Ball, recognizing the importance of shining a light on pediatric heart disease and the families navigating it every day. Stevie’s son, Carter McElroy, has lived with congenital heart disease since early childhood, a journey that has shaped every chapter of his young life. Stevie has long been part of the American Heart Association community and was previously honored at a Tarrant County Heart Ball as part of a group of parents who collectively raised $75,000 dedicated specifically to pediatric heart research.
As the event approached, the family’s story became even more personal. In the weeks leading up to the Heart Ball, Carter learned he needed a heart transplant and was hospitalized while awaiting a donor heart. During the evening program, guests learned extraordinary news: less than 48 hours before the Heart Ball, Carter received his new heart. The announcement was shared as a moment of celebration in the ballroom and served as a powerful reminder that the generosity of our community is saving lives.
Another moving moment honored TJ and his family during the event’s Open Your Heart giving experience. Libby Lee and Austin Lee, TJ’s parents, shared how they lost their son in the first few days of his life due to a congenital heart defect. Heart Ball guests saw the Lee’s continued advocacy in action as they shared why continued investment in pediatric heart research and care remains so important for families and children.
The moment became even more powerful when guests were told that Margaret James, TJ’s grandmother, had stepped forward in advance with an extraordinary commitment, pledging a $30,000 matching gift to inspire generosity in the room. The challenge invited 30 guests to give $1,000 each, instantly doubling the impact of those donations. Donors received teddy bears in TJ’s honor, creating a heartfelt reminder of the children and families at the heart of the mission.
Together, the stories of Carter and TJ illustrated how support for the American Heart Association directly touches families during their most vulnerable moments. The evening also honored Dr. Lane Lanier, pediatric cardiac intensive care physician at Cook Children’s Medical Center – Fort Worth, who received the Heart Hero Award in recognition of his dedication and lifesaving impact on children and families across the region.
The event recognized the leadership of the 2026 Tarrant County Heart Ball committee, led by Kristin Whitley Smith, including honorary chairs Marcia Jacobs and Melinda Johnston, and auction chair Andy Zacharias, whose commitment helped make the evening possible.
Notable attendees included Pamela Gilchrist; Judge Glen and Brenda Whitley; Whit and Meri Perryman; Jay and Shannon Kizer; Kim and Josh Carter; Marcia Jacobs; Melinda and Jerry Johnston; Kristin Whitley Smith; Joel and Alison Barlow; Crystal and Tracy Bolt; Myra and Christopher Ryan; Jimmy and Brittany Kinley; Kat Kinley; Courtney Lewis; Christian Lehrmann; Sarah and Patrick Washington; Eli Smith; Dr. Vincent and Melanie Tam; Dr. Jonathan Nedrelow; Michele and Fred Reynolds; Dr. Ted and Delynn Crofford; and Judy Jones Rotzoll.
The American Heart Association extends sincere thanks to the sponsors, volunteers and donors whose generosity made the 2026 Tarrant County Heart Ball possible. The organization also recognized early commitments for the 2027 Tarrant County Heart Ball, including Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital; BNSF Railway; D1 Training; Encompass Health; First Horizon Bank; Frost Bank; Happy State Bank; Kinley Construction; Medical City Healthcare, supported by the HCA Healthcare Foundation; Mooring USA; and TTI, Inc.
The 2027 Tarrant County Heart Ball is already in the planning stage. Philanthropists, companies, or organizations looking to connect with this initiative in Tarrant County, can contact McKenzie Lamb at McKenzie.Lamb@heart.org. To learn more about supporting the 2026 Tarrant County Heart Ball or to get involved, visit the event’s website.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Lindsey Lyons Jones
Phone:
Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
