CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas, Nov. 1, 2025 – The American heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, announced it’s 2026 Corpus Christi Heart Ball volunteer leaders and honorees at a reception on Oct. 22, kicking off the Heart of Corpus Christi campaign.
The campaign is an ongoing initiative gathering key leaders to make a lasting impact in community health through discovery, advocacy, access, and knowledge of the mission of the American Heart Association. Attendees of the kickoff, hosted by Laurie and Dr. Michael Mintz, included past and present Heart Ball supporters, members of the 2026 Corpus Christi Heart Ball planning committee and members of the local board of directors.
The event provided a first look at the new 2026 Heart Ball theme, “Deep In The Heart of Texas,” and an opportunity to meet next year’s chairpersons and honorees: business co-chairpersons, Karen and Larry Urban; medical co-chairpersons, Maricela and Dr. Rene Franco Jr.; Open Your Heart co-chairpersons, Dr. Christine Canterbury and John Murray; auction co-chairpersons, Laura Commons and Sandy Silva; medical honorees Drs. Mary Dale Peterson and Rafael Coutin; and business honoree Nova Herrin.
“Every dollar, every volunteer hour, and every act of support helps fund groundbreaking research, lifesaving education, and community programs that make a real difference right here at home in the Coastal Bend and across the great state of Texas,” said Dr. Rene Franco, 2026 medical co-chair.
The Heart of Corpus Christi campaign culminates in the annual Heart Ball, slated for Feb. 14, 2026 at the Hilliard Center. The Heart Ball honors and celebrates the progress made through discovery of groundbreaking research, advancements in access to care, local advocacy efforts and equipping the Corpus Christi community with lifesaving knowledge.
The American Heart Association expresses gratitude to the generous sponsors of the Heart of Corpus Christi Heart Ball including Life Is Why sponsor CHRISTUS Health, Driscoll Heart Center, Bayside Pulmonology, Thelma and Scott Mandel, AEP, Peggy & Avinash Ahuja, ArcelorMittal, Nova Herin, Kiewit, Oceans Behavioral Hospital Corpus Christi, Karen & Larry Urban. Their support helps further the mission of the American Heart Association to save lives and build healthier communities.
For more information or to become a sponsor for the Corpus Christi Heart Ball, contact Amy Snell Canterbury at amy.canterbury@heart.or or visit www.heart.org/corpuschristiheartball.
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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
Reyna Caraveo: reyna.caraveo@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
