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A Daughter’s Promise and a Call to Lead Guest Blog written by Lauren Motola-Davis
My father was a special man. His name was Bob Motola. He was a cardiologist, and he loved practicing medicine. Growing up, I knew my dad was a doctor. I told people he repaired hearts. He worked long hours and often rushed to the hospital in the middle of the night. Around our dinner table, I heard stories … Read more
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Meet Tony Brown, a heart warrior who beat all odds
When Tita Escobar was five months pregnant, doctors broke the kind of news no expecting parent wants to hear; her baby would be born with a heart condition and might not survive past birth. After a high-risk pregnancy, baby Tony arrived into the world. Tita had mere seconds to hold him before Tony was quickly rushed into the intensive care … Read more
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Reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease is now easier at Capital District Latinos
More than 100 million Americans have high blood pressure. Many people are unaware they have it because blood pressure often has no symptoms, leading to its name, “the silent killer.” It is a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke. A new blood pressure kiosk at the Capital District Latinos Cultural Empowerment and Community … Read more
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New Jersey couple supports schools in tackling youth vaping crisis
The American Heart Association is sounding the alarm on the growing threat of e-cigarette use among youth. One in four high school students now report vaping, making e-cigarettes the most popular tobacco product among adolescents. Not only are more children and young adults using these products, but they are using them more frequently. This trend … Read more
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Community unites to save lives: 2026 NH Heart Walk aims to fund research, build CPR confidence
The New Hampshire Heart Walk will take place on Sunday, May 31 at Livingston Park in Manchester. Hundreds of participants will walk to save lives while raising essential funds to advance lifesaving research, increase CPR education and training and drive equitable health for all people. Mike Ramshaw, General Manager, E&R Laundry and Dry Cleaners, will … Read more
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American Heart Association, Montgomery County clinic team up to offer new tools for supporting heart health
A collaboration between the American Heart Association, Greater Washington Region and Mansfield Kaseman Health Clinic, has led to a dramatic improvement in health for clients of the clinic. In particular, more than half of the patients seen during the collaboration saw an improvement in their blood pressure readings. This is important because high blood pressure … Read more
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When stroke stopped being a statistic and became my story
By Ashley Lucas Heart disease and stroke are not statistics to me — they are part of my family’s story. I grew up watching my grandparents, aunts, and uncles live with cardiovascular disease. I’ve seen the toll it can take, and I’ve felt the quiet worry that comes with it. When it touches your mother… … Read more
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After overcoming a major heart event, ultramarathoner Michael Lo Presti has an important message
Decades ago, when Michael Lo Presti first began his running career, he started seeing the usual positive results that come with this healthy habit… but one troubling symptom persisted. His blood pressure was consistently measuring high. It turned out he was living with an undiagnosed congenital heart defect. A heart ultrasound revealed the cause of the … Read more
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Two Buffalo changemakers triumph in competition to end cardiovascular disease
American Heart Association’s Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact winners lead change through fundraising and philanthropy Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the No. 1 killer in the United States, but according to the American Heart Association, approximately 80% of heart attacks and strokes are preventable. Two area individuals have successfully channeled their energy and passion … Read more
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Local Health Care Operations VP to lead 2026 Heart Walk and citywide push for CPR readiness
Karas joins the American Heart Association to bring Heart Walk back to Buffalo According to the American Heart Association, 9 in 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of the hospital die, and more than half don’t receive bystander CPR. CPR — especially if performed immediately — can double or triple a person’s chance of … Read more
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It didn’t feel like a heart attack.
Written by Linda Heidorn. “Life was busy. Full. The kind of busy where you keep going because that’s what you do. Then came a strange pressure. Nothing dramatic. Nothing that screamed emergency. Just uncomfortable. Easy to explain away. Stress made sense. Being tired made sense. A heart problem did not. There was a lot of … Read more
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Connecticut scientists receive International Stroke Conference 2026 awards
Top recognition awarded to 11 stroke researchers for science, brain health contributions Eleven top scientists in stroke and brain health were recently recognized for their individual exceptional professional achievements and contributions to stroke and brain health care and research during the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2026. The meeting was held in New Orleans … Read more
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Fox Chapel Elementary School Becomes first school in Montgomery County to implement a community blood pressure screening station
Hypertension remains a significant public health concern, mostly because it often goes unnoticed until serious health threats occur, such as heart attacks or stroke. The American Heart Association works with community organizations to manage and prevent hypertension by implementing blood pressure screening stations at places where clients already receive other health services. To expand this initiative, we are partnering with schools in the Greater Washington Region. Fox Chapel Elementary … Read more
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Electric Boat physician to lead 2026 Heart Walk and citywide push for CPR readiness
Dr. Stewart joins the American Heart Association in engaging companies in Eastern Connecticut to create a community of lifesavers According to the American Heart Association, 9 in 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of the hospital die, and more than half don’t receive bystander CPR. CPR — especially if performed immediately — can double … Read more
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A Stroke at 15: How One Diagnosis Changed Everything
by Keith Foisset, Jr. When I sat in the emergency room as a 15-year-old, I didn’t know what to expect from the throbbing pain in my head. I was confused and scared. Just three days earlier, I had felt my left arm go numb and lost coordination. I was later diagnosed with a right parietal … Read more
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Feeling grumpy leads to open heart surgery for local nurse
Her teenage daughter’s big brown eyes and the question “Mom, what would you tell me to do?” led Lenora Murad to seek better care for herself when she wasn’t feeling right on a Friday night in 2005. Murad was on medication for mitral valve prolapse, and a recent transesophageal echocardiogram had found some issues that … Read more
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‘Red Means Go’ for Vermont women’s heart health
The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement raises awareness and critical funds for women’s cardiovascular health Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women[1], yet less than half of women are aware of this. The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, is … Read more
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Brian Drouin’s lifelong heart journey led him back to the American Heart Association
When Brian Drouin joined the American Heart Association, Greater Washington Region team in March 2026 to lead the Lawyers Have Heart event, it marked a full-circle moment in his heart journey. Brian was born with d-Transposition of the Great Arteries; as a newborn, he had an arterial switch operation, the first step in a lifelong journey … Read more
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Voices That Save Lives: Heart Advocates Unite in Augusta to Push for Cardiac Safety in Schools
On March 16, 2026, the American Heart Association convened passionate Heart Powered advocates in Augusta for the CERPs in Schools Legislative Reception. Co-sponsored with the Northern New England (Maine) Chapter of the American College of Cardiology, the event brought together 17 advocates for a meaningful evening focused on raising their voices in support of healthier … Read more
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STEM Goes Red 2025 Inspires the Next Generation of Women Leaders in Philadelphia
More than 100 young women from the School District of Philadelphia came together for a powerful day of inspiration, mentorship, and hands-on learning at STEM Goes Red 2025, hosted at the Perelman School of Medicine at Penn Medicine. Designed to spark curiosity and confidence, STEM Goes Red connects students with real-world experiences in science, technology, … Read more
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Laura Smith and Tim Brightbill return as co-chairs for 36th annual Lawyers Have Heart
The longtime event volunteers return for the second year as co-chairs, where they will unite the DC-area legal community to power the annual 10K, 5K and Fun Walk Laura Smith, partner at HKA, and Tim Brightbill, partner at Wiley, will return as co-chairs for the 36th annual Lawyers Have Heart, an annual 10K, 5K and Fun Walk that brings together thousands of runners and walkers … Read more
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Two Greater Washington Region locals named Go Red for Women national ambassadors
WASHINGTON, D.C., February 1, 2026 – Cardiovascular disease remains the No. 1 killer of women and new moms, with more than 45% of adult women living with some form of heart disease. Women remain underrepresented in clinical research trials. Twelve women from across the country have been selected to represent the American Heart Association’s nationwide Go Red for Women movement in 2026. Among them are Erin Adelekun, an … Read more
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After surviving a stroke at 18, Lauren Treacy set a goal to run a marathon
As a college freshman in 2020, Lauren Treacy was getting her first taste of independence. She was home for the holidays after her first semester at Penn State where she met some of her closest friends, took her initial courses toward her degree, went running every day and was gearing up to rush a sorority. December 29, 2020, started as a normal day. Lauren and some friends … Read more
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Lace up your sneakers and join us for National Walking Day 2026!
American Heart Association, Greater Washington Region and Sheehy Auto Stores invite you to George Mason University for a day of fitness and fun National Walking Day returns on April 1, 2026, with celebrations across the country around this simple act to improve physical and mental health. In the Greater Washington Region, supporters are invited to join the … Read more
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After undergoing a triple bypass surgery, Richard Martin has an important message for other men: pay attention to your heart
Richard Martin walked in the 2024 Greater Washington Region Heart Walk to get out in the community and join his wife and her colleagues at VHC Health in supporting an important cause. When he returned in 2025, the mission behind the event was much more personal. Richard is a father of four, a grandfather, a golfer and a decades-long sales and marketing professional from Northern Virginia. In recent years, there had been early rumblings that something might … Read more
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American Heart Association helps Cannon Road Elementary become the first Montgomery County Public School to establish a Healthy Pantry Policy
For many families, access to healthy food is not just about preference. It is about availability, affordability and awareness. When nutritious options are easier to find and understand, families are better equipped to make choices that support long-term health. That belief is at the heart of the work led by the American Heart Association and recently took … Read more
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National Walking Day kicked off Move More Month in the DMV and beyond
The American Heart Association and Sheehy Auto Stores hosted a National Walking Day event at George Mason University, convening guests from across the region for a day of fitness, learning and fun. Participants warmed up and stretched with trainers from George Mason University, practiced yoga and tabata with instructors from The St. James, learned CPR from the American Heart Association, mixed up a healthy snack with nutritionists … Read more
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Turning Leadership into Legacy: Bill McLaughlin
Bill McLaughlin launches the Heart of New York City and Thrive’s Listen to Your Heart and Thrive campaign by sharing how he’s stepping up to shape a future for his children, New York City, and beyond. When asked what he wanted his legacy to be, Bill McLaughlin answered instantly, “To be a great Dad.” From stepping up … Read more
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Resilience of the Heart: Sharron’s Story
Written by Kristina O’Connell, Chief Marketing Officer, Thrive Sharron was a strong, young athlete. She noticed that her heartbeat would sometimes become irregular, but life moved forward, and so did Sharron. Years passed, and after two decades of trying to have a child, Sharron was dealing with another health challenge: a climbing blood pressure, in … Read more
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Ananta’s Story: Overlooking Family History
1989 Right before my 24th birthday, my younger sister called in the early morning to let me know our father had suffered a heart attack. Shortly after, she called again letting me know he passed away. He was 53 years old. I had spoken to my dad the evening before, and then twelve hours later, … Read more
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Communications executive leads year-round campaign to improve health in Greater Boston
Christine (Lindenboom) Akinc named 2026 American Heart Association Heart of Boston chair As the volunteer chair of the American Heart Association’s Heart of Boston campaign, Christine (Lindenboom) Akinc, chief corporate communications officer at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, will lead community-wide efforts to help ensure every individual in Greater Boston has the opportunity for a full, healthy life. … Read more
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Local hospital executive to lead 2026 Boston Heart Walk and citywide push for CPR readiness
Lisa Abbott to chair American Heart Association’s largest community fundraising campaign in Greater Boston The American Heart Association today announced that Lisa Abbott, executive vice president and chief human resources officer at Boston Children’s Hospital, will serve as chair of the 2026 Boston Heart Walk, leading a year-round effort to raise lifesaving funds and expand … Read more
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GBH show spotlights efforts to expand CPR and AED access in Massachusetts
The American Heart Association’s push to expand CPR education and improve access to lifesaving AEDs across Massachusetts was in the spotlight recently on Under the Radar with Callie Crossley, GBH’s weekly radio show and podcast focused on issues shaping life in Massachusetts. Listen to the segment here. American Heart Association volunteer and Mass General Brigham cardiologist … Read more
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Boston TV spot highlights effort to teach CPR and save lives during American Heart Month
The American Heart Association’s mission to build a Nation of Lifesavers through CPR education is reaching living rooms across Massachusetts this month, thanks to a new public service announcement airing throughout February on WCVB Channel 5 Boston. The television spot — running during American Heart Month — features Jessica Brown, WCVB’s NewsCenter 5 anchor, medical … Read more
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Massachusetts student EMT calls for CPR training requirement in new Op-Ed
An American Heart Association volunteer is helping shine a light on a major gap in lifesaving education across Massachusetts and making the case for why every high school student should graduate knowing CPR. Nayan Sapers, a senior at Harvard University and an EMT with Harvard’s Emergency Medical Services, has been working with the American Heart … Read more
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Boston cardiologist brings CPR to CityLine on WCVB Channel 5
Viewers across Greater Boston got a front-row seat to a lifesaving lesson on CityLine on WCVB Channel 5 this Sunday. American Heart Association volunteer and cardiologist Dr. Kemar Brown joined host Jessica Brown for an on-air CPR demonstration, showing just how simple — and powerful — quick action can be in an emergency. Kneeling beside … Read more
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WBZ NewsRadio covers Go Red for Women gathering at Massachusetts State House
The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women gathering at the Massachusetts State House reached audiences beyond Beacon Hill thanks to coverage from WBZ NewsRadio 1030, helping elevate awareness that cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in women. The annual event, held of February 26, brought together members of the Massachusetts Caucus of … Read more
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American Heart Association shares CPR, heart health message on Boston Bruins pregame show
Before Thursday night’s 4–2 Bruins win over the Columbus Blue Jackets, the American Heart Association shared an important message with NESN viewers: learning CPR can save lives. Dr. Jennifer Cluett, the president of the American Heart Association’s Board of Directors in Boston, joined NESN’s Sophia Jurksztowicz to discuss Hands-Only CPR, high blood pressure control, and … Read more
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New Hampshire women join nationwide effort to combat No. 1 killer
The American Heart Association’s® Woman of Impact™ nominees champion heart health through Go Red for Women® fundraising and philanthropy initiative Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the No. 1 killer of women.[1] Launched over two decades ago to increase women’s heart health awareness and address clinical care gaps, the Go Red for Women movement serves as a catalyst … Read more
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What to expect at our new Maine Go Red for Women Luncheon “Red Means Go” experience
The 2026 Maine Go Red for Women Luncheon will take place on Thursday, March 19 from 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn By The Bay in Portland. The format is a bit different this year and we are excited to offer a shorter, more impactful program followed by a new, interactive and fun Go … Read more
