Boston Heart and Stroke Ball returns in-person on April 30, supporting equitable health for all

Boston, April 12, 2022 – After three years, the American Heart Association’s Boston Heart and Stroke Ball is returning to an in-person event on Saturday, April 30, at the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport, from 6 to 10 p.m.

The annual gala is the culmination of the year-long Heart of Boston campaign, which raises funds to ensure all Boston residents have an equal chance of living a healthier, longer life – no matter their ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status or education level.

More than 300 guests, including business and community leaders, are expected to attend this year’s ball. Among those will be Barry Greene, CEO of Sage Therapeutics, who is returning as chair of the Heart of Boston campaign for the third consecutive year.

Greene is focused this year on working with the American Heart Association to raise awareness of the link between cardiovascular health and mental health and the importance of managing one to address the other.

Campaign Chair Barry Greene, CEO of Sage Therapeutics

“Research continues to underline the integral connection between heart health and mental health, diseases that disproportionately impact some of our most vulnerable populations. I’m honored to be this year’s Heart of Boston campaign chair and be in the unique position to help bridge these public health challenges,” said Greene. “With the American Heart Association as a leader in this fight, I have no doubt that we are embarking on an age of unprecedented progress to help people across the commonwealth and beyond live better, longer, healthier lives.”

Highlights of this year’s ball include a live auction and entertainment from the band East Coast Soul.

Dr. Peter Libby, a cardiovascular specialist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Mallinckrodt Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, will receive the Paul Dudley White Award for his contributions to the field of cardiology.

Valerie Giglio, a singer, recording artist and lawyer from Stoneham, Mass., will share her inspiring story of recovering from a 2014 stroke. She will also perform.

Jessica Brown, of WCVB News Channel 5, will serve as host for the evening. Brown co-anchors WCVB Channel 5’s NewsCenter 5 at Noon and NewsCenter 5 at 4PM. She is also the station’s medical reporter.

(left to right) Open Your Heart speaker Valerie Giglio, Paul Dudley White Award Recipient Dr. Peter Libby and Emcee Jessica Brown

Mark Kane, chairman of the American Heart Association’s Board of Directors in Boston, said the Heart and Stroke Ball is key to the American Heart Association’s goal of advancing cardiovascular health for all.

“We are delighted to be able to gather again in person to help drive equitable health for every member of our community,” said Kane. “From reducing blood pressure, to ending tobacco and vaping use, to investing in scientific research, to ensuring everyone has access to healthy foods, the sponsors, donors and volunteers behind this campaign are improving and saving lives in Boston.”

Current sponsors are Sage Therapeutics, Pfizer, Mass General Brigham, Alnylam, CBRE, Mintz, scPharmaceuticals and Tufts Medical Center.

To learn more, register for the event or donate, please visit BostonHeartandStrokeBall.heart.org or contact Robin Maxcy, vice president of development, at robin.maxcy@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 nearly a century. Connect with us at heart.org.

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For Media Inquiries:
Chris Camire, Director of Communications
781-373-4521 | chris.camire@heart.org