FORT WORTH, January 22, 2026 — This year, the 2026 Tarrant County Heart Ball will shine a spotlight on the lifesaving research and medical advancements helping children born with congenital heart defects (CHD) live longer, healthier lives. CHD remains the most common birth defect in the United States, affecting 1 in every 100 babies. Improving outcomes for these children requires innovative science, care guidelines, and meaningful community partnerships, some of the very work the American Heart Association has championed for more than a century. Through the Association’s ongoing efforts, these advancements continue to reach the families who need them most.
Leading this year’s campaign is Kristin Whitley Smith, President of Mooring USA, whose passion for service was shaped at an early age through the influence of her parents and the example set by her mother who has been involved in the Association for years. Smith continues to intensify her connection to this work by engaging her teams in heart health education as part of her steadfast commitment to strengthening the organization’s work across Tarrant County.
“Giving back to our community isn’t just something I believe in, it’s how I was raised,” Smith said. “My parents taught us that we have a responsibility to serve the communities that support us. My mom’s years of involvement with the American Heart Association showed me firsthand the impact this organization has on saving lives and supporting families. It is an honor to continue that legacy and help advance research and care for children right here in our backyard.”
Supporting Smith’s leadership are Honorary Chairs Melinda Johnston and Marcia Jacobs, two steadfast advocates with personal journeys that reflect the importance of the American Heart Association’s mission. For Johnston, the work of the Association is deeply intertwined with her family’s history. Heart disease has touched multiple generations of those she loves, and she understands how much progress is still needed. That understanding became even more personal when her husband faced his own diagnosis, driving her to help the mission to save more lives.
Jacobs brings a decade of involvement with the American Heart Association’s Tarrant County efforts, a commitment that has only strengthened over the years. She has seen firsthand how the mission uplifts families navigating heart conditions and says she is motivated by the courage of those the Heart Ball honors. Inspired to join the initiative by Johnston, Jacobs’ ten years of service is proof that community members banding together can help the Association change lives in lasting ways.
During the Heart Ball program, guests will experience a tribute video highlighting local families whose lives have been touched by CHD and community leaders who champion this work across Tarrant County, illustrating the powerful connection between scientific discovery and real families whose children depend on medical advancements to not only survive but thrive.
Continuing his enduring commitment to the Heart Ball, Auction Chair Andy Zacharias brings heartfelt leadership to this year’s effort. As the father of last year’s featured survivor, Zacharias understands personally how research and innovation can save a child’s life. The contributions made in the ballroom each year, including those raised through the auction, help drive the scientific breakthroughs that families like his depend on. His family is one of many involved in this local initiative that embodies what it means to take a life changing experience and transform it into action.
“For more than 100 years, the American Heart Association has been driven by our mission to save and improve lives, including some of our most vulnerable; children born with congenital heart defects,” said Meagan Hemenway, Executive Director of the American Heart Association in Tarrant County. She noted, “We are so honored by volunteers like our campaign leaders this year, who have elevated that mission throughout the community.”
Guests in bright‑colored formal attire will gather at the Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel for a seated dinner followed by a mission‑centered program with CBS Texas’ Madison Sawyer as emcee. The evening will conclude with dancing to celebrate a year of painting hope and healing hearts across Fort Worth and beyond.
The 2026 Tarrant County Heart Ball will take place on Saturday, April 18th in Fort Worth. For philanthropists, companies, or organizations looking to connect with this initiative in Tarrant County, please contact McKenzie Lamb at McKenzie.Lamb@heart.org. To learn more about supporting the 2026 Tarrant County Heart Ball or to get involved, visit the event’s website.
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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:
Lindsey Lyons Jones - Lindsey.LyonsJones@Heart.org
Phone: 214-441-4114 - Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
