(KANSAS CITY), December 17, 2024 – Kathy Karst, Director of Enterprise Compliance Risk & Operations at UnitedHealth Group, and Dr. Kathy Gaumer, MD, FACOG, Medical Director of Regain Functional Medicine and Aesthetics, have been named the American Heart Association Kansas City 2024 Leaders of Impact™ winners for their dedication to driving equitable cardiovascular health in the community.
In Kansas City, life expectancy varies by up to 12 years depending on neighborhood, a disparity often driven by social determinants of health and inequities in healthcare access. These structural barriers underscore the urgent need for community leaders like Karst and Gaumer to champion change.
“Kathy Karst, Dr. Kathy Gaumer, and all of our nominees' steadfast efforts are helping to ensure everyone across the Kansas City area has equitable opportunities for a longer, healthier life,” said Laura Lopez, Executive Director of the American Heart Association. “By ensuring access to quality healthcare and addressing health disparities, we are strengthening our collective future, creating a healthier, more vibrant community for generations to come.”
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., and projections show its economic toll will nearly triple by 2050. However, Leaders of Impact nominees like Karst and Gaumer are advancing awareness and action to fight these trends.
Over seven weeks, Karst and Gaumer competed in a fundraising campaign alongside 7 other Kansas City professionals. “Team Kathy” was named the 2024 Leaders of Impact winners after raising significant funds and engaging their networks to amplify the mission of the American Heart Association.
“Taking part in Leaders of Impact was personal for me because heart disease has deeply impacted my family,” said Karst. “From my maternal grandmother’s pioneering heart valve replacement to my in-laws’ battles with stroke and open-heart surgery, I’ve seen firsthand the difference that hope, determination, and support can make. This experience touched my heart and reaffirmed my faith in the power of kindness and community.”
Dr. Gaumer’s commitment also stems from her professional and personal experiences. “As an OB/GYN for over 35 years, I’ve witnessed how heart disease can affect not only women but their entire families,” she said. “Mothers often hold their families together, and their health impacts everyone around them. Participating in this campaign has been an honor and a privilege, and having a close friend as a partner made it even more meaningful.”
For more than 100 years, the American Heart Association has driven change by removing barriers to health, investing in groundbreaking research, educating healthcare professionals and patients, and advocating for healthy policies. In Kansas City, the Association is focused on reducing health disparities and increasing awareness of heart health across all communities.
Leaders of Impact launched on Oct. 17 in cities across the nation and culminated on Dec. 4. Each nominee’s participation is focused on opportunities to be a changemaker with a shared purpose to raise critical awareness and fund the mission of the American Heart Association.
Other local nominees included:
- Lindsey Thompson, Chief of Staff, Lockton
- Jack Jewsbury, Client Advocate, Lockton
- Jimmy Bolanos, COO, Advent Health
- Natasha Smith, CEO, True Peace Financial Solutions
- Mary Grace Copeland-Salinas, Clinical Liaison, Johnson County Rehabilitation Hospital
- Chris Perrin, Senior Director of Product Development, PSI
- Tina Perrin, Arabia Steamboat Museum
- Reed Levi, Talent Scout, Chief of Staff
For more information about Leaders of Impact and a list of all the 2024 nominees, please visit leadersofimpact.heart.org.
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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, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
DeEtta Lee; DeEtta.Lee@heart.org
Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org