2026 Tulsa Heart Ball raises $900,000 to advance lifesaving coronary heart and mind well being efforts

TULSA, March 11, 2026 — The American Heart Association, a relentless pressure for a world of longer, more healthy lives, introduced right this moment that the 2026 Tulsa Heart Ball Campaign raised $900,000 to assist essential analysis, neighborhood packages and equitable care initiatives throughout Oklahoma. The signature occasion, held Feb. 27 and chaired by Faith and David Helmerich, welcomed 500 company for a night of celebration, mission influence and heartfelt storytelling.

One of essentially the most highly effective moments of the night centered on younger coronary heart survivor Parker Lee Helmerich, whose extraordinary medical journey – together with open‑coronary heart surgical procedure, a coronary heart transplant and 347 days within the hospital – was featured in a particular program presentation. Parker’s household shared the theme “Just Keep Swimming,” a mantra impressed by a fish‑formed bead from the hospital’s Beads of Courage program, symbolizing his resilience and upstream battles. The boy’s mother and father, Faith and David Helmerich, have been the occasion co-chairs.

“Parker is a living miracle,” mentioned Kennady Irwin, senior improvement director for the American Heart Association-Tulsa and director of the Tulsa Heart Ball. “His story is a testament to the power of medical innovation, the dedication of care teams and the hope that organizations like the American Heart Association make possible.”

This 12 months’s occasion additionally celebrated 41 Sweethearts and Mavericks, native teenagers who dedicated months of service, studying and management to assist coronary heart and mind well being. Collectively, they contributed greater than $180,000 to the 12 months‑spherical Tulsa Heart Ball marketing campaign, considerably advancing the full funds raised.

The 2026 Heart Ball was supported by a devoted govt management group that helped form a night rooted in neighborhood influence. Guests participated in mission programming, a dwell public sale and Open Your Heart giving, fueling work that features groundbreaking analysis, CPR and AED schooling, prevention initiatives and assist for households going through coronary heart illness and stroke.

“Your decision to give is more than a paddle raise – it is a commitment to funding lifesaving research, advancing equitable care and ensuring that families facing heart disease and stroke have access to the breakthroughs they deserve,” wrote Irwin and American Heart Association-Tulsa govt director Megan Korn in a submit‑occasion letter to donors.

Parker’s story underscored the center of the night – and the center of the mission.

“There were days we didn’t know if Parker would make it,” mentioned Faith Helmerich mentioned. “But with faith, expert care and Parker’s determination, he did.”

Now thriving at residence, Parker continues to encourage supporters throughout Tulsa and past.

The Tulsa Heart Ball brings collectively neighborhood leaders, medical professionals and supporters dedicated to making a world freed from cardiovascular ailments and stroke. Funds raised assist gas analysis discovery, well being fairness efforts and neighborhood packages that save and enhance lives. For extra details about supporting the Tulsa Heart Ball or getting concerned with the American Heart Association, go to coronary heart.org/TulsaHeartBall or contact Kennady Irwin at Kennady.Irwin@coronary heart.org.

For sponsorship alternatives with the 2027 Tulsa Heart Ball, contact Kennady Irwin at Kennady.Irwin@coronary heart.org.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless pressure for a world of longer, more healthy lives. Dedicated to making sure equitable well being in all communities, the group has been a number one supply of well being data for greater than 100 years. Supported by greater than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking analysis, advocate for the general public’s well being, and supply essential assets to save lots of and enhance lives affected by heart problems and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing confirmed options in science, coverage, and care, we work tirelessly to advance well being and rework lives day by day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

For Media Inquiries

Cyd King: cyd.king@coronary heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org