On average, someone in the U.S. dies from cardiovascular disease, such as a heart attack or stroke, every 34 seconds. Even more people are impacted by nonfatal cardiac events. It’s an issue that will become more dire—and costly with health care costs projected to triple in coming years—thanks to an aging population and a significant increase in cardiovascular disease risk factors in younger people. The American Heart Association is dedicated to creating a healthier future for everyone. For more than 100 years, the nonprofit has used groundbreaking medical research and community education to fight for a world free of the constraints of heart disease for all people, regardless of socioeconomic status, race or location.
The American Heart Association takes a multi-pronged approach to combating heart disease. The organization works with leaders and health care professionals to reach the community. “Like the four chambers of the heart, our work has four quadrants: discovery, knowledge, advocacy and access,” explains Beth Burks, associate vice president of development. “We work with schools to implement CPR emergency response plans. We collaborate with libraries to provide access to blood pressure equipment. We support health centers to ensure they have the tools and resources to work with patients. We partner with people and organizations to guarantee the community has access to health care, right here in St. Louis.”
The American Heart Association is committed to improving heart health for all people in the region. One way it unites the community is the Heart of St. Louis campaign, an initiative that brings local leaders together to invest in supporting better health for everyone. The campaign culminates in the Heart Ball and the effort plays a vital role in funding the nonprofit’s work. “From education programming all the way up to research, the campaign is vital,” Burks says. “It’s not only a way to raise funds, but also a great way to reach people in the community.”
This year’s Heart Ball is Feb. 6 at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis. Guests can look forward to an inspiring evening of storytelling, dining and more. Sponsored by Worldwide Technology, the event is themed Game Changers to honor the story of survivor Dan Rolfes. The basketball coach for Incarnate Word Academy, Rolfes suffered a heart attack while in Columbia, Missouri, for the state championship. “His wife had to perform CPR, and it’s a major reason why he is still here with us today,” Burks notes. “It’s a story of triumph and resilience, and we are so excited to share it.”
The 2026 Heart Ball and Heart of St. Louis campaign is being chaired by venture capitalist Bill Schmidt. As a survivor himself, Schmidt has first-hand knowledge of just how important the American Heart Association’s work is. “The Heart Ball is a reminder of both how far we’ve come and how far we still need to go,” he says. “In St. Louis, we’ve committed ourselves to advancing medical research and equitable health, educating St. Louisans and championing lifesaving policies. But this fight doesn’t end here—everyone in St. Louis can help drive the change that saves lives.”
The American Heart Association’s local chapter is committed to improving heart health for all people in the region. Its St. Louis Heart Ball is Feb. 6 at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis. Pictured on the cover: 2026 St. Louis Heart Ball chair Bill Schmidt and survivor honoree Dan Rolfes. For more information, call 314.692.5629 or visit heart.org/heartofstlouis.
Cover design by Julie Streiler | Cover photo by Tim Parker Photography
Pictured at the top: Guests enjoy the St. Louis Heart Ball.
Photo: BTP by Alison
