ANN ARBOR, MI. July 22, 2025 — For more than 100 years, the American Heart Association has committed to advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Through the Heart of Ann Arbor’s Heart Ball campaign, John Charpie will lead community-wide efforts to help ensure every individual in Washtenaw County has the opportunity for a full, healthy life.

Charpie, this year’s volunteer chairperson, is a professor with the Department of Pediatrics, Amnon Rosenthal professor and division director of Pediatric Cardiology and co-director of the University of Michigan’s Heart Center.

The Heart Ball celebrates hope and progress made through the dedication and passion of all who support the American Heart Association’s efforts to make an impact on the health of the community. These efforts include the relentless pursuit of scientific discovery, public policy change, equitable health for the under resourced and underrepresented and education to equip the community to take control of their health.

“John demonstrates outstanding leadership and dedication as both a professor and director at Michigan Medicine,” American Heart Association – Southeast Michigan Executive Director Sara Hegarty said.  “His passion and commitment to the American Heart Association’s mission, deep understanding of community needs, and unwavering drive to make a difference positions him as the perfect choice to chair this event.

“We welcome John to the Heart of Ann Arbor, an initiative that centers around better health for every individual by focusing on critical issues and work to equitably improve and save lives.”

Charpie’s clinical interests and expertise are in pediatric cardiac intensive care for infants, children and young adults with congenital and acquired heart disease. As a cardiac intensive care physician, he’s also interested in examining early and late outcomes following congenital heart surgical and catheter-based interventions and developing and testing novel therapies aimed at improving morbidity and mortality including antioxidants and therapeutic hypothermia among others. Dr. Charpie serves as a principal investigator or co-investigator for several government and industry-sponsored studies in pediatric cardiology.

“As a pediatric cardiologist for more than 30 years, I’ve witnessed incredible advances in clinical care and improved outcomes for children and young adults with heart disease and stroke based on technological innovations and research developments that are primarily supported by charitable organizations such as the American Heart Association,” Charpie said. “I believe that it is important to give back to these organizations to assure an even brighter future in cardiovascular care for the next generation.”

The 2025 Ann Arbor Jackson Heart Ball is sponsored by Michigan Medicine and the DTE Foundation and will be held on Friday, Oct 10, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Jack Roth Stadium Club. The annual event is a night to celebrate the Association’s year-round efforts to break down barriers to health in Washtenaw County. 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 Ann Arbor Jackson Heart Ball, visit heart.org/annarborjacksonheartball or contact Sydney Smith at Sydney.smith@heart.org.

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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:
Sarah Rood: sarah.rood@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org