Cathie Vick and Ashford Denman named co-chairs of 2024 American Heart Association Hampton Roads Heart Ball
As plans are underway for the 2024 Hampton Roads Heart Ball, Cathie Vick, Chief Development & Public Affairs Officer, The Port of Virginia and Ashford Denman, Vice President of Cardiovascular Services, Sentara Health have been named co-chairs of this year’s community-wide campaign. The Heart Ball celebrates progress made through the dedication and passion of all who support the American Heart Association’s Heart of Hampton Roads, a year-round effort aimed at investing in and saving and improving lives in Hampton Roads.
This year’s Heart of Hampton Roads campaign executive leaders will be making an impact in areas such as CPR education to ensure more people have the chance to live a full healthy life. Each year, 350,000 people in the United States experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA); and approximately 90% die. However, CPR, if performed immediately, can double or triple the chances of survival. The American Heart Association and supporting community organizations are uniquely positioned to help improve survival in high-risk neighborhoods through novel, evidence-based training programs and sustainable community interventions.
“I am eager to work together with our outstanding team of volunteers and the American Heart Association as we all advocate to make a difference in the well-being of people in this community,” said Vick. “Heart disease and stroke are still the #1 and #5 killers in our community and together, through the Heart of Hampton Roads, we are uniting to save lives and drive equitable health for all. Together, we must continue to strive to do whatever we can to make a lasting impact.”
“I am honored to serve as Co-Chair of the 2024 Hampton Roads Heart Ball,” said Denman. “For years I’ve worked directly with the American Heart Association Hampton Roads, seeing the impact that happens at a local level and as the organization prepares to celebrate the milestone of 100 years in June, I couldn’t be more proud. Advocating for people in this community to ensure they have the access and care to live heart healthy lives is something I’m passionate about, and the time is now to act on the opportunity to keep hearts beating by increasing education and awareness around Hands-Only CPR in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest. I look forward to ensuring that our community leaders and residents are equipped with that knowledge throughout this campaign.”
“Cathie and Ashford exemplify true leadership and commitment as a dedicated healthcare professional and committed industry executive here in Hampton Roads and they are the ideal duo to head our Heart Ball campaign. As trusted members of this community, they understand the impact the mission and work of the American Heart Association can have on every person who lives in this area. We welcome Cathie and Ashford to the Heart of Hampton Roads, an initiative that centers around better health for every individual by focusing on critical issues and work to equitably improve and save lives,” says Dr. Ethlyn McQueen-Gibson, American Heart Association Hampton Roads Executive Board Chair from Eastern Virginia Medical School.
The 2024 Hampton Roads Heart Ball is sponsored by The Port of Virginia and Sentara Health is slated for Friday, May 17, 2024, at The Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront. The annual event is a night to celebrate the association’s year-round efforts to drive health equity in Hampton Roads. 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 Hampton Roads Heart Ball, contact Laura Bynum at [email protected].
Connect with the American Heart Association Hampton Roads at www.heart.org/hamptonroads, Instagram, Facebook and X @AmericanHeartVA.
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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:
Jaylyn Brown: 443-866-7733; [email protected]
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org