American Heart Association Breaks Record for Funds Raised at Heart & Stroke Ball   

The American Heart Association’s (AHA) (heart.org) Omaha Heart & Stroke Ball, chaired by Mike and Elizabeth Cassling and honorary chairs by Jack and Stephanie Koraleski, raised more than $1 million on February 29 at the CHI Health Center. The black-tie event drew in 950 attendees and shared the story of six-year-old congenital heart defect survivor, Wyatt Vollertson. The funds raised through the Heart Ball will be used to support local efforts to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.

Themed “A Brighter Future,” the evening focused on healthy outlook for all Nebraskans. Community members opened their hearts after meeting multiple heart and stroke survivors through a survivor show, as well as the featured story of the evening of Wyatt Vollertson. An evening to remember, the guests closed down the event on the dance floor with a live band, On the Fritz.

In the past five years, the AHA has funded 23 studies at the following institutions: the University of Nebraska Medical Center–Omaha (18 studies), the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (three studies), and Creighton University (two studies). Funding the studies helps AHA to fulfill their goal of reducing deaths from heart disease and stroke while improving the lives of all Americans.

The American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association are devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke. To learn more call 1-(800) AHA-USA1 or visit their website at heart.org.