TULSA, Okla., Sept. 27, 2024 — As plans are underway for the 2025 Tulsa Heart Ball, W. Chad McLain, founding partner at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers, has been named chairman of this year’s community-wide Heart of Tulsa campaign. The Heart Ball celebrates progress made through the dedication and passion of all who support the American Heart Association, the world’s leading voluntary organization focused on heart and brain health for all.
McLain’s mother, June “Junebug” McLain, passed away at age 56 following a heart attack in 1998. His motivation to eradicate heart disease lies in his desire to make sure other families are spared a similar fate.
“As a trusted member of the Tulsa community, Chad understands the impact, the mission and the work of the American Heart Association can have on every person who lives in this area,” said Karissa Cottom, a member of the Heart Ball executive leadership team and co-chairperson of the 2024 Heart of Tulsa campaign. “We welcome Chad to the Heart of Tulsa, an initiative that centers around better health for every individual by focusing on critical issues and work to equitably improve and save lives.”
The year-long campaign will culminate with Tulsa Heart Ball on Friday March 7, 2025, at the Cox Business Convention Center. The theme “Illuminated Hearts” focuses on heart disease prevention and early detection. The event will honor volunteers and patrons, feature stories of survivors, and entertain guests with dinner, dancing, an exciting live auction and introduction of the 2025 class of Tulsa Sweethearts and Mavericks.
McLain grew up in a small town in South Carolina and graduated from Wofford College. He then taught at the high school level and coached baseball before working as an insurance claims specialist for a prominent property and casualty insurance company. Around this time, it was the sudden loss of his mother that caused him to rethink his goals. McLain went back to school and earned a law degree from the University of Tulsa College of Law. He went into practice with Dan Graves in 2002, and the two formed Graves McLain Injury Lawyers in 2010.
McLain has experienced his own heart issues, which required a stent and the placement of a pacemaker/defibrillator. In February of this year, on his 55th birthday, he held a fundraiser in honor of his mom and to raise awareness for heart health. The affair drew about 100 people and raised $14,000 for the American Heart Association.
“Heart health awareness and education is one of the most important causes I can think of to volunteer my time towards because of my own personal journey with heart health and the wide-reaching impact heart disease has on our community and loved ones,” McLain said.
For 100 years, the American Heart Association has saved and improved lives, pioneered scientific discovery and advocated for healthy public policies in communities across the country. These bold moves are fueled by the organization’s mission to be a relentless force for longer, healthier lives. They have helped transform the nation’s health and significantly reduce heart disease and stroke death rates. But these gains have not been shared equitably. Black, Hispanic, Native American, Native Hawaiian, Asian American, Pacific Islander and LGBTQ+ people have suffered and died disproportionately. So have people in historically underrepresented communities all over the country. With Bold Hearts™ and powered by science, the Association pledges to work relentlessly to eliminate heart disease and stroke, optimize brain health and ensure equitable health in every community.
For more information on how to support or attend the Tulsa Heart Ball, visit heart.org/TulsaHeartBall or contact American Heart Association Development Director Kennady Irwin at Kennady.Irwin@heart.org.
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 a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries
Cyd King: cyd.king@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
