Kernika Gupta and Vishal Patel named 2026 American Heart Association Greater Philadelphia Heart Ball Chairs
For more than 100 years, the American Heart Association has committed to advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Through Heart of Philadelphia’s Heart Ball campaign, Kernika Gupta and Vishal Patel, of the Brave Lights Foundation and volunteer Association chairpersons will lead community-wide efforts to help ensure every individual in Philadelphia has the opportunity for a full, healthy life. The Heart Ball celebrates hope and progress made through the dedication and passion of all who support the Association’s efforts to make an impact on the health of the community. These efforts include the relentless pursuit of scientific discovery, public policy change, equitable health for the under resourced and underrepresented, and education to equip the community to take control of their health.
“Kernika and Vishal have demonstrated outstanding leadership and dedication as volunteers for the American Heart Association. Their passion and commitment to the mission, deep understanding of community needs and unwavering drive to make a difference positions them as the perfect choice to chair this campaign,” says Jennifer Litchman-Green, executive director, Greater Philadelphia Association. “Campaigns like the Philadelphia Heart Ball allow us to drive our work to advance research, remove barriers to CPR/AED education, improve nutrition security and increase blood pressure control rates all in an effort to build a future of health and hope for everyone, everywhere.”
As a family affected by both stroke and heart disease, Kernika Gupta, director, CEO Initiatives, Independence Blue Cross, and her husband, Vishal Patel, feel truly fortunate. Their daughter, Savera, was born with congenital heart disease. A healthy and active little girl, much of this is thanks to the tireless efforts of the Association and other committed experts to improve the detection and treatment of congenital heart disease.
“Vishal and I are honored to serve as 2026 Philadelphia Heart Ball Chairs,” said Kernika Gupta. “We got involved with the Association because our daughter, Savera, was born with congenital heart disease. It is essential for us that we work together as a community to ensure accelerated and excellent treatment for all children and adults living with congenital heart disease. We’re passionate about the work of the Association, and I want to see a world where every parent and child has equitable resources to address heart health.”
“I am eager to work with our outstanding team of volunteers and the American Heart Association to drive change by removing barriers to health, investing in groundbreaking research, delivering impactful health education and advocating for healthy policies,” Vishal Patel continued. “It takes a village to make a lasting impact and we must do whatever it takes to create a better tomorrow for all people in Philadelphia.”
The 2026 Philadelphia Heart Ball is sponsored by Penn Medicine, Infor, Independence Blue Cross, AmeriHealth Caritas, Jefferson Health and Temple Health, and will be held on Saturday, February 27, at the National Constitution Center. The annual event is a night to celebrate the Association’s year-round efforts to break down barriers to health in Greater Philadelphia. Throughout the evening, the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health, will honor volunteers and patrons, feature stories of survivors, and entertain guests with dinner, dancing and an exciting auction. For more information on how to support or attend the Philadelphia Heart Ball, visit www.heart.org/phillyheartball or contact Danielle Muratore, at danielle.muratore@heart.org.