LOS ANGELES, Nov. 28, 2022 – Brooke Hammerling, founder of The New New Thing, has been named the American Heart Association Los Angeles 2022-2023 Leaders of Impact winner for raising the most funds to support the work of driving equitable health in the Los Angeles community.
Hammerling raised more than $55,000 during the seven-week Leaders of Impact campaign, topping three other nominees in LA and placing second among 209 participants nationally.
A heart disease survivor, Hammerling has been monitoring her heart since being diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis, a condition that restricts blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body, when she was 7 years old. In 2020, tests showed her heart was in bad shape and needed surgery to replace both of her heart valves and repair her aorta.
“The American Heart Association has had a huge impact on me and my life and on so many others,” said Hammerling. “I’m so honored to have been given the opportunity to help shine a light on all of the amazing work they do and continue to do.”
Funds raised by Hammerling and other Leaders of Impact nominees support the American Heart Association’s mission, including its efforts to improve equitable health for all.
In Los Angeles County, life expectancy varies by about 15 years, depending on where a person lives, according to LA County Department of Public Health Statistics. The gap is often caused by the social determinants of health and the barriers to achieving health equity for all communities — factors that include structural racism and the lack of access to quality healthcare.
The American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, has invested in community health, innovative research and bold initiatives that save and improve lives. Funds raised through Leaders for of Impact will support the Association’s 2024 Impact Goal which aims to advance cardiovascular health for all including identifying and removing barriers to health care access and quality. In Los Angeles, the American Heart Association is specifically focused on reducing high blood pressure as a health disparity, improving access to healthy food in communities that need it the most, and advocating for smoke-free air policies to improve public health.
Leaders of Impact launched on Sept. 29, World Heart Day in 150 cities across the nation and culminated on Nov. 15, National Philanthropy Day. Each nominee’s participation focused on opportunities to be a changemaker with a shared purpose to raise the critical awareness, action and fund the mission of the American Heart Association.
Others local nominees included Jamey Edwards, chief operating officer, StartUp Health; Dillon Johnson, product design engineer, Beats at Apple; and James Dudelson, film producer and founder, Dad at 65 podcast.
Leaders of Impact is held annually as a part of the Los Angeles Heart & Stroke Ball, which will be held on April 22, 2023 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
Learn more about Leaders of Impact and the 2022 nominees.
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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 nearly a century. Connect with us in Los Angeles on heart.org/losangeles, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or
For Media Inquiries: Kristine Kelly, kristine.kelly@heart.org
Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org