Andrew Gilmartin, 28, was a 19-year-old college sophomore when he was diagnosed with heart disease. At 20 he underwent heart surgery to replace his aortic valve. For him, not ignoring the warning signs and speaking with his doctor ultimately saved his life. Surviving heart disease has inspired Gilmartin to become a champion for heart health. Shortly after his surgery, he became a volunteer with the American Heart Association in New York City. Now, before the age of 30, he has been named the city’s 2023 Leaders of Impact winner.
Leaders of Impact is a seven-week campaign that aims to raise funds to fight health inequities and improve health outcomes by addressing the social determinants of health and the barriers (factors that include structural racism[1] and lacking access to quality healthcare[2]) many communities in New York City face on the path to improved heart health.
Over the course of seven weeks, Gilmartin participated in a blind fundraising competition against nine other New York City professionals. Gilmartin was named the 2023 Leaders of Impact winner after raising the most funds and for leveraging his commitment to advance the lifesaving mission of the American Heart Association.
“My journey through heart disease and open-heart surgery was made possible because I listened to my heart, spoke with my doctor, and had access to quality medical healthcare when I needed it. As the 2023 Leaders of Impact winner, I want to use this platform to help ensure that everyone in the New York City area has access to the healthcare they need when they need it,” Andrew Gilmartin, who is an Associate Client Advisor at Northern Trust said. “I want to help raise awareness that heart disease does not discriminate; it can happen to anyone at any age. Look at me, I didn’t expect to have open-heart surgery at age 20, but fortunately I am here and found the American Heart Association. It is such an honor to work with the American Heart Association and get the pleasure to meet with individuals like me whose life has been touched by heart disease.”
The American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, has invested in community health, innovative research and bold initiatives that save and improve lives. Funds raised through Leaders of Impact will support the Association’s 2024 Impact Goal which aims to advance cardiovascular health for all including identifying and removing barriers to health care access and quality.
Leaders of Impact launched on Sept. 29, World Heart Day in 150 cities across the nation and culminated on Nov. 15, National Philanthropy Day. Each nominee’s participation focused on opportunities to be a changemaker with a shared purpose to raise the critical awareness, action and fund the mission of the American Heart Association.
Others local nominees included:
- Alex Merkler, Neurologist, Weill Cornell
- Andrew Gilmartin, Associate Client Advisor, Northern Trust Wealth Management
- Benjamin Sullivan, Volunteer, American Heart Association
- Brion Lieberman, Chief Human Resources Officer, Geisinger
- Jason Osbourne, Segment Leader, Genpact
- Kate Harrington, Director, Partnership Marketing, Commercial Observer
- Michelle Grice, Manager Facilities Services, University New Haven
- Sammy Levine, New Business Account Executive, Empire Office Co
- Sonny Singh Director, Cushman & Wakefield
- Troy Hebert, Senior Director Business Development, SRS Acquiom
Leaders of Impact is held annually as a part of the Heart of New York City campaign. The Heart of New York City Gala will be held on Thursday, June 8 at Cipriani Wall Street. This year’s event will be a special celebration of the American Heart Association’s 100th anniversary.
For more information about Leaders of Impact and a list of all the 2023 nominees, please visit the campaign website.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Diego Ortiz Quintero, 201-572-5703, [email protected]
Mark Hurley, 917-445-0207, [email protected]
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
[1] https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000936
[2] https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000753