CANFIELD, OH, March 2, 2026 — The Mahoning Valley has raised more than $250,000 to support the fight against the nation’s No. 1 killer, cardiovascular disease (CVD). On Saturday, Feb. 28th, the 2026 Tri-County 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 the Mahoning Valley. The critical funds raised will help support the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone, everywhere.

Since the Heart Association’s founding in 1924, deaths from cardiovascular diseases have been cut in half. Unfortunately, the Association predicts more than 6 in 10 in the U.S. are likely to have some type of cardiovascular disease by 2050 [1], so supporting the American Heart Association’s lifesaving work is more urgent than ever.

“Heart disease and stroke are still the No. 1 and No. 4 killers in the Valley, and together, through the Heart of Tri-County, we are uniting to change these statistics,” said Rachel Barber, co-chair of the 2026 Tri-County Heart Ball, emeritus board member for the American Heart Association of Northeast Ohio and Executive Vice President of Finance for VEC, Inc. “I believe my mom, a heart attack and cardiac arrest survivor, is with us today because of her strong determination to survive and due to the cardiovascular research from the American Heart Association. If it wasn’t for the money raised during events such as the Heart Ball or the Heart Walk there would be no research, and without research there would be no survivors.”

The Tri-County Heart Ball is a culmination of the year-round Heart of Tri-County campaign to improve and save lives from heart disease and stroke. It marks a moment in time to reflect, honor and celebrate the progress made through the discovery of groundbreaking research, improving access to quality health care, advocating for efforts at local, state and federal levels and equipping communities with lifesaving knowledge.

Almost 300 local guests were moved by the story of 14-year-old sudden cardiac arrest survivor Jacob Burley of Crestview Local Schools. Throughout the event, which was held at Waypoint 4180, eight local volunteers shared their stories of survivorship, research, triumph and lifesaving advocacy work, bringing the mission to life in the greater Youngstown region. For this year’s event, CTW Corporation served as the Gold Sponsor, Thom Duma Fine Jewelers was the auction sponsor and VEC, Inc and HBK served as Silver Sponsors.

“It was so exciting to bring together people from our community, business leaders, healthcare workers and survivors to celebrate the lives that have been saved and to bring hope to our community with all the initiatives, research and advocacy that the American Heart Association does,” said Nancy Landgraff, PhD, PT, co-chair of the 2026 Tri-County Heart Ball, emeritus board member for the American Heart Association of Northeast Ohio and department chair and professor of therapy at Youngstown State University. “It was so fulfilling to share this information with a phenomenal room full of people who had great energy and really came together to support the cause.”

The American Heart Association is the world’s leading nonprofit organization that focuses on heart and brain health. For more information on how to support the American Heart Association visit heart.org/tricountyheartball.

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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 one hundred 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, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173
Chelsea Caldwell: chelsea.caldwell@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org