The 2024 Boston Heart and Stroke Ball brought hearts together to save lives and strive for equitable health for everyone living in Greater Boston on Saturday, May 4, at the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport. This year’s campaign raised more than $1 million to support the American Heart Association’s efforts to fight heart disease and stroke.
For years, the American Heart Association has been striving to ensure everyone has an optimal, just opportunity to be healthy. But this is not the reality for many people of color and for others whose health suffers because of social factors beyond their control. In fact, people in some under-resourced ZIP codes in Boston have life expectancies 23 years shorter than their neighbors just a few miles away.
“Where you live shouldn’t determine how long you live—but all too often, it does,” said Eric Green, volunteer chair of the 2024 Heart of Boston campaign. “That’s what the American Heart Association is fighting to change. We are working to ensure that every single person in our community has the chance for a long and healthy life.”
The Heart and Stroke Ball was a culmination of the Heart of Boston, an American Heart Association initiative that works to equitably improve and save lives. The annual event marks a special moment in time to reflect, honor and celebrate the progress made through the determination, dedication and passion of all who support the Heart of Boston.
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals and Sage Therapeutics served as the presenting sponsors for this year’s event.
Dr. Robert Gerszten, chief of the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and the Herman Dana Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, received the Paul Dudley White Award for his contributions to the field of cardiovascular medicine. Dr. Tanveer Khan, director of clinical quality improvement and quality assurance at Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center, received the Live Fierce Award for her work around blood pressure control.
They were joined by event host Nicole Estaphan, a reporter and producer for WCVB Channel 5’s Chronicle. More than 380 local guests enjoyed musical entertainment by the dynamic band East Coast Soul.
“I want to extend my deepest gratitude to all our guests, sponsors, and donors for their commitment to our mission,” said Karen Whitefield, executive director of the American Heart Association in Greater Boston. “Your support fuels our efforts to combat cardiovascular disease and stroke, saving lives and inspiring hope. As we reflect on this evening’s success, we invite our community to join us in our ongoing journey towards a heart-healthy future.”
Funds raised through Heart of Boston and Heart and Stroke Ball support the Association’s 2024 Health Equity Impact Goal, which aims to reduce barriers to health care access and quality. The American Heart Association is the world’s leading nonprofit organization focuses on heart and brain health. For more information on how to support the American Heart Association visit heart.org/bostonhb.