Celebrating the enduring legacy of Dr. Edward S. Cooper and the generations of leadership, service and community impact carried forward by the Cooper Family.
The enduring legacy of Edward S. Cooper, M.D. will be honored through the presentation of the 2027 Edward S. Cooper, M.D. Award to the Cooper Family. The recognition celebrates not only Cooper’s extraordinary achievements, but also the generations of leadership, service and commitment to community health that continue through his family.
Honoring a transformational legacy
A pioneering physician, stroke researcher, educator and advocate, Cooper broke barriers throughout his career, becoming the first Black tenured professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and later the first Black national president of the American Heart Association. His work transformed the understanding and prevention of stroke and cardiovascular disease, while his leadership, mentorship and advocacy inspired generations of physicians, researchers and community leaders.
As Philadelphia celebrates its 70th Annual Heart Ball, the recognition of the Cooper Family provides an opportunity to reflect on the extraordinary leadership, service and commitment to improving cardiovascular health that have helped advance the American Heart Association’s mission for generations. The award celebrates Dr. Cooper’s historic contributions to medicine, public health and the American Heart Association, as well as the enduring values of leadership, service and excellence that continue through his family and all those influenced by his life’s work.
“Dr. Cooper helped shape the future of medicine through his pioneering work, his commitment to equitable health and his dedication to mentoring future generations of leaders. His impact on the American Heart Association, Penn Medicine and our broader community continues to resonate today,” said Kevin B. Mahoney, legacy honoree and campaign visionary, and CEO of the University of Pennsylvania Health System. “As we celebrate the 70th Annual Philadelphia Heart Ball, it is an honor to recognize the Cooper Family and the enduring legacy of leadership, service and compassion that they carry forward.”
Save the date: 70th Annual Philadelphia Heart Ball
Save the date for the 70th Annual Philadelphia Heart Ball, taking place on Saturday, March 13, 2027, at Ballers Philadelphia. This milestone event will bring together the region’s business, healthcare, philanthropic and civic leaders to celebrate 70 years of Heart Ball impact and decades of progress in the fight against heart disease and stroke while supporting the Association’s lifesaving mission across Greater Philadelphia.
The evening will honor the Cooper family as recipients of the 2027 Edward S. Cooper, M.D. Award and recognize Kevin B. Mahoney, CEO of the University of Pennsylvania Health System, as campaign visionary and legacy honoree. Together, these recognitions reflect the leadership, innovation and commitment to improving health that have helped shape the Heart Ball’s impact throughout its history.
Mahoney has been a longtime champion for the American Heart Association and its mission to improve cardiovascular health across Greater Philadelphia. In 2018, he received the Heart of Philadelphia Award for his community leadership and volunteer service, and in 2019, he served as chair of the Philadelphia Heart Ball. As CEO of Penn Medicine, he has continued to champion programs that advance equitable health, improve access to care and address cardiovascular disease risk factors throughout the region. In 2024, Penn Medicine and the American Heart Association launched the “Team Up to Take Down High Blood Pressure” initiative, a collaborative effort among Philadelphia health systems, community health centers and community-based organizations aimed at improving hypertension awareness, diagnosis and management.
Guests will enjoy an inspiring evening celebrating the volunteers, supporters, healthcare leaders and survivors who power the American Heart Association’s mission, while raising critical funds to advance equitable health and improve cardiovascular outcomes across the region.
70th Annual Philadelphia Heart Ball
Saturday, March 13, 2027
Ballers | Philadelphia
The 2027 Philadelphia Heart Ball is sponsored by Team Up to Take Down High Blood Pressure Collaborators: Penn Medicine, Temple Health, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) and Jefferson Health; Live Fierce. Take Action. Nation of Lifesavers Sponsors: Independence Blue Cross and AmeriHealth Caritas; and Legacy Sponsor: Infor, and will be held on March 13, 2027. The annual event is a night to celebrate the Heart Association’s year-round efforts to break down barriers to health in Greater Philadelphia. Throughout the evening, the Heart Ball 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 70th Annual Philadelphia Heart Ball, contact Kara Porter at kara.porter@heart.org.