MELVILLE, N.Y., Sept. 16, 2026 — The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, announces Allan Cohen, Long Island office managing partner at Nixon Peabody LLP, as chair of the 2026 Long Island Heart & Stroke Ball. The event is set for Thursday, Nov. 12, at the Swan Club in Roslyn.

This year’s Heart & Stroke Ball, “Heroes Among Us,” will honor the people who lead, serve, care for others and come back from life’s hardest turns. Survivors of heart disease and stroke, caregivers, healthcare professionals, advocates and community leaders will take the spotlight, with stories of hope, determination and the strength of the human spirit.

In addition to serving as Nixon Peabody’s Long Island office managing partner, Cohen is a member of the firm’s Policy Committee. His practice serves clients ranging from large and middle-market companies pursuing mergers and acquisitions, to closely held and family-owned businesses in need of outside counsel, to technology startups organizing new ventures and raising capital. He joined the Heart Ball committee about a dozen years ago, chaired the event in 2015 and served on the executive committee for the 2025 Long Island Go Red for Women event.

“My father was never sick a day in his life,” Cohen said. “He had a heart attack at 78 and a second one at 79 that took him. Looking back, I realize how much we didn’t know. That's what drives me today. Through the American Heart Association’s work, we’re changing what people know about heart health so more families can have more moments and more years together.”

Cohen is eager to expand “A Ball for All” during his chair year, collecting sports equipment for donation to schools and youth athletic programs that need it most. The initiative helps remove barriers to play and encourages young people to build active, healthy lifestyles.

“Allan has been a dedicated leader and advocate for this cause for more than a decade, serving on the campaign committee, as chair in 2015 and in support of Go Red for Women on Long Island,” said Kate Gibson, region senior vice president of development and community health for the Heart Association. “His longstanding commitment and leadership will help bring greater visibility to the importance of heart health while advancing critical funding for research, CPR education and lifesaving programs that benefit Long Islanders.”

Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer in the United States and on Long Island, claiming more lives than all forms of cancer combined. Most of those deaths are preventable. The Long Island Heart & Stroke Ball turns that fact into action, raising money for research, CPR training and community programs while celebrating the leaders, volunteers and neighbors who refuse to accept the status quo.

For sponsorship and event information, contact Samantha Macleod at Samantha.Macleod@heart.org or visit www.heart.org/liheartball.

 

 

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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, Instagram, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

For Media Inquiries:

Bong Arquiza, Bong.Arquiza@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org