RICHMOND, VA, May 07, 2026 — Lilly Martin, a five-year-old congenital heart defect survivor from Louisa County, was formally recognized at the 2026 Central Virginia Heart Ball. After overcoming several health challenges at a young age, Martin has become a symbol of bravery and hope for other children with heart defects.

About Lilly Martin

Martin was diagnosed with a transitional A/V canal defect at birth which means there were openings between the chambers of her heart and differences in how the heart valves formed, affecting how blood flows through the heart. Six months after birth, she was also diagnosed with Heterotaxy Syndrome, a rare condition affecting how the body’s internal organs are arranged, which is often associated with complex heart defects. At nine months old, Martin underwent a successful open-heart surgery.

“My husband and I naively didn’t know that congenital heart defects are the most common birth defects in the world,“ said Kelly Martin, Lilly’s mother. “When we first got the news about her heart, we were scared about Lilly’s future. But in the end, the surgery was a success. Seeing her smile is one of the many reasons why I’m grateful to the American Heart Association and the research they fund to improve outcomes for people living with heart defects. Today, Lilly is a typical five-year-old that if you didn’t see her scars, you would never know what she’s gone through.”

About Heart of Central Virginia

The American Heart Association is committed to advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Through Heart of Central Virginia, we’re harmonizing the four chambers at the heart of our community to show how research discovery, advocacy, access and the knowledge to make an impact on health can change health outcomes in Central Virginia.

The Heart of Central Virginia builds momentum throughout the year, offering meaningful opportunities for engagement, visibility and mission alignment. The culmination of these efforts is the Central Virginia Heart Ball — a powerful evening event that celebrates our progress, highlights our mission and serves as another vital fundraising opportunity.

This year’s Central Virginia Heart Ball raised over $1.4 million for continued research, advancements in access to care, local, state and federal advocacy efforts and equipping Central Virginia communities with lifesaving knowledge.

To learn more about the Central Virginia Heart Ball, contact Liz Arline at liz.arline@heart.org.

###

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:

American Heart Association: Audry Dubon: Audry.Dubon@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org