Northwest Arkansas Heart Ball returns Feb. 14 to celebrate “Work of Heart” featuring local child heart hero
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark, Feb. 3, 2026 — The American Heart Association will host the 2026 Northwest Arkansas Heart Ball on Saturday, Feb. 14, at the Rogers Convention Center, uniting more than 900 guests for an evening dedicated to improving heart and brain health across the community. Part of the Association’s signature Heart of Northwest Arkansas campaign, the event will celebrate lifesaving progress fueled by local donors, volunteers and corporate partners.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the program beginning at 7 p.m. The Heart Ball aims to raise $1 million to support the Association’s work in research, public health policy, community education and equitable access to care.
“This event is a reminder of both how far we’ve come and how much work remains,” said Sherene Jagla, vice president of sales at Kenvue and one of this year’s Heart Ball co-chairs. She is joined by fellow co-chairs Ryland Allen, vice president of baby products at Walmart; Whitney Cook, head of sales strategy and operations at Walmart Connect; and Kristin Piper, vice president of wellness at Walmart.
“In Northwest Arkansas, we’re committed to strengthening heart health for every family,” added Jagla. “Progress requires all of us — and the Heart Ball is an important step forward.”
This year’s Heart Ball will highlight the journey of Thomas Gray Lindsey, a Springdale boy whose fight for survival began before birth. During pregnancy, his parents, Toni and Michael Lindsey, learned their son faced multiple heart defects — one so serious they were told to prepare for immediate surgery after delivery.
That first defect healed on its own, but Thomas Gray was born with a hole in his heart. After complications at birth and a two‑week stay in the NICU, he later underwent open‑heart surgery just before turning seven months old. Surgeons repaired a valve, closed an abnormal vessel and relied on a heart‑lung machine to keep him alive during the procedure.
“Handing him over for surgery was the hardest thing we’ve ever done,” Michael said. “But we knew it was his only chance.”
Only a week after returning home, the family rushed him back to Arkansas Children’s Northwest when his heart rate dangerously dropped as he slept. An emergency med‑flight to Little Rock followed. Fortunately, further surgery wasn’t needed — the episode was linked to post‑surgery medications and his lungs’ continued overcompensation.
Today, six‑year‑old Thomas Gray is thriving — energetic, joyful and full of the fierce spirit his parents call “our little heart warrior.”
His story underscores the importance of congenital heart defect (CHD) research and advanced pediatric cardiac care — areas long supported by American Heart Association funding.
Guests at the ball will enjoy dinner, dancing and a live auction led by auctioneer Wes Poole. Entertainment will be provided by Rock 'n' Roll Dueling Pianos, and the evening will be hosted by emcees Dan Skoff and Ashlyn Brothers of KNWA. The affair will also serve as the introduction of the NWA Sweethearts, a group of 43 local high school students learning heart‑healthy leadership and volunteerism.
This year’s theme, “Work of Heart,” honors the collective effort required to create a healthier future for all.
This year's Heart Ball is made possible with support from Live Fierce sponsor The Emerson Group, legacy sponsor Bayer Healthcare and signature sponsors Force Factor, Haleon, Kenvue, Simply Good Foods and Walmart. Media support is by Celebrate Arkansas, Citiscapes Magazine and KNWA/Fox 24.
For more information about the Heart Ball or to support the American Heart Association-NWA, visit www.heart.org/nwaheartball.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than 100 years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook or X by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries
Cyd King: cyd.king@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
