Larry Sadwin honored at the 2024 Southern New England Heart Ball

The American Heart Association to recognized mission champion Larry Sadwin at annual event with the Yvonne Heredia Lifetime Achievement Award

Providence, Rhode Island, October 18, 2024: —Rhode Islander, Larry Sadwin, was honored as the 2024 Yvonne Heredia Lifetime Achievement Award honoree at this year’s Southern New England Heart Ball. Sadwin has long time championed for healthier, longer lives.

“We are thrilled to honor Larry Sadwin at this year’s Southern New England Heart Ball. His unwavering commitment to the American Heart Association’s mission, tireless volunteer work, exemplifies the heart of our organization. Larry’s passion for improving cardiovascular health and advancing the American Heart Association’s goals has made a profound impact in our community. The American Heart Association is grateful for his dedication and proud to celebrate his extraordinary contributions,” said Southern New England Executive Director, Michelle Clark.

Named for a beloved American Heart Association volunteer in Southern New England, the Yvonne Heredia Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals who’ve shown unwavering commitment to advancing equitable health outcomes. Having lost his father and grandfather to heart disease and surviving a series of cardiovascular complications of his own since 1982, Larry’s passion for the American Heart Association’s mission is deeply personal.

“I have always believed that volunteering is most meaningful when done with a genuine desire to give back, without any expectation of a reward or return. True service comes from the heart, knowing that the reward lies in the difference we make. Therefore, it is especially meaningful to have an organization as well respected and successful as the American Heart Association takes the time recognize a contribution made by a single volunteer. It is both humbling and a great honor to have received such unexpected recognition,” said Larry.

Larry’s unwavering commitment to the AHA mission has impacted the health and wellbeing for millions of Americans. In 2001, 16 years after undergoing triple bypass surgery, Larry became chairperson of the AHA Rhode Island Affiliate. Larry’s impact is exemplified in one of the largest projects he supported, the American Heart Association Patient Support Network. It was also under his leadership as chairperson of the AHA National Board that the organization launched the Get With The Guidelines™ hospital quality improvement program, contributing to a vast repository of vital research to improve patient outcomes across the United States.

Larry Sadwin accepting Yvvonne Heredia Lifetime Achievement Award
Larry Sadwin accepting Yvvonne Heredia Lifetime Achievement Award

“Early in my journey as a heart patient, I realized that the American Heart Association was a driving force behind the progress,” he said. “The organization’s commitment to research, awareness and education have saved and improved countless lives, including mine.”

For more than 100 years, the American Heart Association has committed to advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere. The American Heart Association’s Southern New England Heart Ball celebrates progress made through the Heart of Southern New England’s year-round efforts to positively impact community health through discovery, advocacy, equity and knowledge of the mission of the Association. Funds raised will support efforts to save and improve lives affected by heart disease and stroke.

The 2024 Southern New England Heart Ball was held on Friday, September 20th, 2024, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Warwick, Rhode Island. The annual event is a celebratory evening of storytelling, dinner, dancing and an exciting auction, including a mission-focused paddle raise. For more information, contact Heart Ball Director, Lindsay.Iadeluca@heart.org. To learn more about Get With The Guidelines™ or the Patient Support Program, please visit heart.org.

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