Grand Rapids, Michigan, April 15, 2024 — Announcement of the 2024 Grand Rapids Heart Ball as part of a yearlong celebration of the American Heart Association’s 100th anniversary of saving and improving lives, pioneering scientific discoveries, and advocating for healthier communities. Plans are underway.

The Heart Ball raises critical funds to continue supporting equitable health, important research, and life-saving work in Grand Rapids into the next century. With support from Bold Hearts™ and our donors, we have helped transform our communities and significantly reduce mortality from heart disease and stroke.

In fact, over the past 50 years, deaths from cardiovascular disease have decreased by more than 70%. Over the past 25 years, stroke deaths have decreased by 37%.

“Bold Hearts is pioneering new avenues of scientific discovery, working tirelessly to remove barriers to health equity, and improving Progress cannot happen without advocating for healthy communities.” “Throughout the past century, the American Heart Association has advanced health and well-being in so many important and important ways.”

The 2024 Grand Rapids Heart Ball will be held on Thursday, April 25th at the Goei Center in Grand Rapids. The event begins at 6 p.m. and includes a VIP reception, cocktail hour, full dinner program, and live auction.

This year’s Heart Ball features Jake Chapman, an 18-year-old cardiac arrest survivor. One afternoon last fall, Jake came home from school and his father, Chad Chapman, heard him collapse in the kitchen. Jake went into cardiac arrest. Thankfully, Chad had taken an American Heart Association-certified CPR course and he knew what to do. He pressed hard and quickly in the center of Jake’s chest until help arrived and Jake’s mother, Rachel, called 9-1-1.

“If it weren’t for the science of CPR and the American Heart Association’s commitment to educating the community about these important lifesaving techniques, Jake might not be here today,” said Rachel Chapman. . “We want to make sure that at least one person in every household in West Michigan knows the life-saving steps and that every school, school event and athletics staff has the resources they need in case something goes wrong. We need to work together.” It’s a cardiac emergency. ”

After months of rehabilitation, Jake returned to the basketball court at Unity Christian this winter. He’s back to doing what he loves.

Dr. Ronald Grifka, chief medical officer at the University of Michigan HealthWest, will co-chair the Heart Ball Centennial Campaign with community advocate Mindy Seufert.

“I am honored to once again join Dr. Grifka as co-chair of the 2024 Grand Rapids Heart Ball,” Seufert said. “Jake’s story resonates with all of us, especially as a mother of a teenage son who has experienced several life-threatening heart conditions. The work of the American Heart Association is more important than ever. I know firsthand the value of the impact we can have when we work together.”

The 2024 Grand Rapids Heart Ball is presented by the West Michigan Cardiovascular Network, a partnership between the University of Michigan HealthWest and Trinity Health.

“We know that research will lead to treatments for these leading causes of death and disability,” Dr. Grifka said. “We are proud to support bold investments that have already led to important medical advances, including the first artificial heart valves, implantable pacemakers, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation technology.”

The American Heart Association has invested more than $24 million in research at Michigan universities and last year trained more than 280,000 Michiganders in the life-saving techniques of hands-only CPR.

For more information on how to support or get involved with the Grand Rapids Heart Ball, please visit our website at heart.org/grandrapidsheartball or contact Jana Siminski at jana.siminski@heart.org.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association works tirelessly to help the world live longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with thousands of organizations and the power of millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for public health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. In 2024, our 100th anniversary, we celebrate our rich 100 years of history and achievements. As we move forward into his second century of bold discoveries and impact, our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. heart.org, Facebook, X Or call 1-800-AHA-USA1.

Media inquiries:

Matt Johnson, Communications Director

Cell phone: 573-298-3923, email: matt.johnson@heart.org

General inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org