San Antonio, December 31, 2024 — This year’s San Antonio Heart Ball will honor two exceptional advocates, Dr. Kollars and Dr. White, as the 2025 honorees. These distinguished physicians have dedicated their careers to advancing heart health and improving the quality of life through their tireless advocacy and medical expertise.

Dr. Kollars, a pediatric cardiologist specializing in cardiac imaging, has devoted her career to caring for children with congenital heart conditions. Born in Quito, Ecuador, and raised in Minnesota, she pursued her undergraduate studies at Johns Hopkins University before earning her medical degree at the Mayo Medical School. As an active-duty Air Force officer, Dr. Kollars served at Wilford Hall and Brooke Army Medical Centers, providing groundbreaking imaging support and care for children with complex heart conditions. Now part of Pediatric Cardiology Associates, Dr. Kollars continues to advance pediatric cardiac imaging and provide exceptional care to her patients.

Dr. White, a cardiologist and native Texan, has been a trail blazer in preventive cardiology for decades. A co-founder of the Cardiology Clinic of San Antonio, Dr. White has pioneered programs in nuclear and amyloid imaging and cardiac CT PET in San Antonio. With a focus on advancing physician education and patient outcomes, Dr. White has been recognized nationally, including an honor from the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology in 2022. He also served as president of the American Heart Association in San Antonio, helping to expand cardiovascular awareness and resources throughout the community.

“We are thrilled to honor Dr. Catherine Kollars and Dr. Randall White at this year's San Antonio Heart Ball. Their longstanding commitment to their patients and their families, alongside their tireless efforts to advance our understanding of cardiovascular health, exemplifies the heart of our mission. Dr. Kollars and Dr. White clearly have a passion for improving heart health and advancing the American Heart Association's goals has made a profound impact in our community. The American Heart Association is grateful for their dedication and proud to celebrate their extraordinary contributions,” said local board volunteer chair Dr. Allen Anderson.

"It is an incredible honor to be recognized at this year’s Heart Ball and to use my voice to amplify the mission of the American Heart Association, said Dr. Kollars. “Together, we can drive change and inspire others to join us in our commitment to create a world free from cardiovascular disease and stroke."

Dr. White added, “Being part of the American Heart Association's mission is truly an honor. I am humbled to be recognized and look forward to continuing to support this life-saving mission.”

For more than 100 years, the American Heart Association has committed to advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere. The American Heart Association’s San Antonio Heart Ball celebrates progress made through the Heart of San Antonio’s year-round efforts to positively impact community health through discovery, advocacy, equity and knowledge of the mission of the Association. Funds raised will support efforts to save and improve lives affected by heart disease and stroke.

Sponsored by Methodist Healthcare supported by the HCA Healthcare foundation, Methodist Healthcare Systems, Valero, and The O’Krent Golf Class, the 2025 San Antonio Heart Ball will be held April 25, 2025 at The Skyroom. The annual event is a celebratory evening of storytelling, dinner, dancing and an exciting auction, including a mission-focused paddle raise. For more information on how to support or attend the San Antonio Heart Ball, visit www.heart.org/sanantonioheartball or contact Amy House at amy.house@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. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.  

 

For Media Inquiries:

Name: Zahra Cruzan zahra.cruzan@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org