The 2025 Central Massachusetts Heart and Stroke Ball, held on Saturday, March 1, brought together community leaders, volunteers, and survivors committed to saving lives from heart disease and stroke. The gala highlighted the power of research, discovery, advocacy, and health equity in transforming outcomes across Central Massachusetts. Thanks to the generosity of attendees and sponsors, more than $120,000 was raised to support the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association, which has been advancing health and hope for over a century.
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Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S. Additionally, an aging and increasingly diverse population, coupled with rising rates of heart disease and stroke risk factors among younger generations, is projected to nearly triple the nation’s cardiovascular disease costs by 2050, according to new research from the American Heart Association.
“We are immensely proud of the impact the Heart and Stroke Ball has on our community,” said Justin Precourt, president of UMass Memorial Medical Center and volunteer chairperson for the 2025 Heart and Stroke Ball. “This event is more than a celebration—it’s a testament to what we can accomplish when we unite for a crucial cause. With heart disease and stroke ranking as the No. 1 and No. 5 health threats, supporting the American Heart Association’s research, education, and advocacy efforts is critical. Together, we can create a future free from heart disease and stroke.”
The event was the culmination of the year-round Heart of Central Massachusetts campaign, which works to improve health outcomes and save lives. The Heart and Stroke Ball serves as a moment to reflect on progress, honor those making a difference, and celebrate groundbreaking research, health equity advancements, and advocacy efforts at the local, state, and national levels.
Held at Mechanics Hall in Worcester, this year’s gala was hosted by Jen Carter of 104.5 XLO. Seven local volunteers shared their powerful stories of survival and commitment to lifesaving work. Additionally, three community leaders were honored with the prestigious Heart of Gold Award:
- Fidelity Bank received the Heart of Gold Community Leader Award.
- Dr. Lawrence Rosenthal, director of cardiac devices and electrophysiology at UMass Memorial Medical Center, was awarded the Heart of Gold Heart Vascular Medical Professional Award.
- Dr. David Sommer, a neurologist with Reliant Medical Group and Saint Vincent Hospital, was honored with the Heart of Gold Neurology Medical Professional Award.
Pamela Mills was also recognized as the Central Massachusetts Leaders of Impact winner for her outstanding fundraising efforts.
The event’s success was made possible by the generous support of local sponsors UMass Memorial Medical Center, Fidelity Bank, IPG Photonics, Berkshire Bank, Fairlawn Rehabilitation Hospital, Saint Vincent Hospital, Community Neuroscience Services, Boston Scientific, and Teleflex. The media sponsor was 104.5 XLO.
“We are incredibly grateful to our guests, sponsors, and volunteers for making this year’s event such a success,” said Brian Shankey, the American Heart Association’s executive director in Central Massachusetts. “Their generosity and dedication fuel our mission to fight heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association’s future is about improving yours, and we invite the entire community to join us in advancing health and hope for everyone in Central Massachusetts.”
The American Heart Association is the world’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to heart and brain health. To learn more about how to support its mission locally, visit heart.org/massachusetts.