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3 ways to take health and safety into your hands this summer
American Heart Association reminds communities during CPR & AED Awareness Week, the power to save a life is in your hands Sudden cardiac arrest can happen anytime, anywhere, and too often people hesitate to step in because they believe CPR can only be performed by medical professionals. During CPR and AED Awareness Week, the American … Read more
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3 ways to take health and safety into your hands this summer
American Heart Association reminds communities during CPR & AED Awareness Week, the power to save a life is in your hands Sudden cardiac arrest can happen anytime, anywhere, and too often people hesitate to step in because they believe CPR can only be performed by medical professionals. During CPR and AED Awareness Week, the American … Read more
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From Awareness to Action: how education changed one stroke survivor’s story
At 43 years old, Jim Green was the picture of health. An avid athlete training for a triathlon, he spent his days running, swimming and pushing his physical limits. Stroke was the last thing on his mind. But one evening, after a long day of training, his life changed in an instant. “The entire right … Read more
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I’m alive because a stranger knew CPR. Here’s why that matters
by John Stephen On the morning of November 30, I laced up my sneakers and went out for a jog in Anna Maria, Florida. It was the Saturday after Thanksgiving — quiet, warm, and unremarkable in every way that matters. I was 63 years old, felt strong, and had been exercising regularly. I remember starting … Read more
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Carrying the Torch: Nick Farris’ unexpected stroke
After surviving a rare posterior stroke at 35, Nick Farris is helping to expand what people know about stroke signs and why immediate action still matters. On the morning of December 19, 2023, Nick Farris expected his day to begin like any other. Instead, within moments of getting out of bed, something felt wrong. “I … Read more
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Why stroke awareness is personal for Miss Vermont 2026
After her family’s experience with stroke, Miss Vermont 2026 Hannah Roque is using her platform to highlight the importance of knowing the signs and understanding risk factors during Stroke Awareness Month. For Miss Vermont 2026 Hannah Roque, stroke awareness isn’t just her platform; it’s deeply personal. This May, during American Stroke Month, her story highlights … Read more
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Lawyers Have Heart celebrated 36 years of movement, mission and impact
On May 16, 2026, more than 4,000 runners, walkers and supporters gathered in West Potomac Park for a sunny morning dedicated to heart health. Participants took on the 10K, 5K and Fun Walk before enjoying a lively post-race celebration featuring snacks, music, a pet party, a kids zone and Hands‑Only CPR demonstrations. After the awards … Read more
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Vermont Legislature approves tobacco prevention legislation to protect youth
American Heart Association urges governor to sign S.198, a bill containing proven policy that strengthens retailer accountability
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Not heard until it was too late: a two-time heart attack survivor’s fight to be believed
By Vicky Liberty, New Gloucester, Maine I had my first heart attack at 36 after multiple ER visits where my symptoms were dismissed as stress, anxiety, and pleurisy. I knew something was wrong and refused to leave until I got answers. Finally, a doctor confirmed I was having a heart attack. During the catheterization, they … Read more
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A stroke made the post-partum time difficult for survivor
Felisha Chandler of Schenectady said that learning she was pregnant when she was 44 was a nice, welcome surprise. She also knew that there would be some risks associated with the pregnancy. Her father had a history of high blood pressure. When she learned that she was having fraternal twin boys, she knew the potential … Read more
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Carrying the Torch: Sue Rodeman’s story and the power of B.E. F.A.S.T.
During Stroke Awareness Month, a Caretaker of the Torch from the Rochester Heart Ball shares how acronym ‘B.E. F.A.S.T.’ can save a life. As a Caretaker of the Torch at this year’s Rochester Heart Ball, Sue Rodeman represented survivors, families and advocates who are helping move the American Heart Association’s mission forward. But what many … Read more
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Meet Shelbe Hudson: two-time stroke survivor, DJ and advocate
When Shelbe Hudson had her first stroke at the age of 25, it was the last thing she expected to happen to her. Her initial symptoms were headaches and changes in vision, which she largely dismissed as effects of her job and too much screentime. As the symptoms persisted, she waited. She celebrated the Fourth of July with her … Read more
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2026 New Haven Heart Walk to drive citywide push for CPR readiness
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield joins the American Heart Association in engaging companies in Greater New Haven 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 … Read more
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When every second counts: a cardiac arrest survivor’s proof that the chain of survival works
By Ron Morin, paramedic and cardiac arrest survivor On August 14, 2020, Officer Nick D’Ascanio, South Portland Police, responded to a crash on Maine Mall Road for a report of a motor vehicle crash with injury. He was 30 seconds away! I was that guy. I had lost consciousness and crashed into a car with … Read more
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2026 Rochester Heart Ball unites community leaders for longer, healthier lives
Rochester raises over $400,000 to support the fight against the nation’s No. 1 killer, cardiovascular disease (CVD). On Saturday, the 2026 Rochester Heart Ball brought together community leaders, volunteers and survivors of CVD to showcase how research discovery, advocacy, access and knowledge can make an impact and change health outcomes for Rochester. The critical funds … Read more
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Developing the Next Generation of Stroke Scientists
By Neil A. Nadkarni, MD, Director of the Neurovascular Inflammation Team (NVITe), Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Stony Brook Medicine In an ever-changing world with new advances every day, stroke-related disability is a constant. But it doesn’t have to be. Though we can limit some of the initial damage caused by stroke, the reality is that … Read more
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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
