Hampton Roads, Va., Sept. 29, 2026— Approximately 6 in 10 U.S. adults will develop some type of cardiovascular disease (CVD) within the next 30 years, according to the latest research undertaken by teams from the American Heart Association. That is why the Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all, is collaborating with Mezeh, the Mediterranean grill restaurant chain, in Hampton Roads to give individuals a chance to be part of the progress to overcome today’s biggest health challenges. Through the Association’s Life Is Why® campaign, people can support the fight against cardiovascular disease by donating at checkout, in-store and online, while celebrating their personal reasons for living longer, healthier lives. Retailers and brands like Mezeh are stepping up to help make this lifesaving campaign possible.
Kicking off on World Heart Day, September 29 through December 31, Mezeh will provide shoppers the opportunity to donate in a quick and easy way to support the mission of the American Heart Association by asking customers to donate $1, $3, $5 or an amount of their choice at the register in-stores and online. Over 50 Mezeh locations will participate in this campaign.
“Mezeh’s support of the American Heart Association’s Life Is Why campaign exemplifies the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change in heart and brain health,” said Aaron Thompson, volunteer Heart Association Hampton Roads board chair and executive director and CEO of Olde Towne Medical & Dental Center. “This will help fund more critical research and enable us to reach more communities with lifesaving initiatives. Together, we are making strides towards a healthier future for everyone.”
Mezeh’s support of the American Heart Association first grew from its involvement in the Hampton Roads Heart Walk campaign, which brings communities together to create health and hope for every heartbeat, uniting individuals, families and companies around a shared commitment to longer, healthier lives. What began as local support has grown into a deeper commitment to advancing the Heart Association’s mission and improving the health of communities nationwide.
"Mezeh is honored to support the American Heart Association’s Life Is Why campaign, empowering our customers to join the fight against heart disease and stroke,” said Steve Walker, co-founder and corporate chef. “This effort reflects our commitment to create healthier lives by supporting life-saving research and initiatives that reach communities across the country.”
- funding research that can improve health outcomes for people experiencing heart disease and stroke;
- training more than 2.5 million high school students in CPR annually; and
- supporting the work of local entrepreneurs and organizations working to improve health outcomes in under-resourced communities.
To learn more about the Life is Why campaign and other participating companies, please visit www.heart.org/lifeiswhy.
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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, on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173
Audry Dubon: audry.dubon@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
