Pulling on Your Heartstrings
Continued from page 25
American Heart Association,” said Rachel, who knows firsthand about the benefits.
According to the AHA, heart disease remains our country’s
number-one killer; more people die from cardiovascular
disease each year than all other diseases combined.
Unfortunately, cardiovascular disease and stroke touch the
lives of millions of people every day and do not discriminate
between male and female, young and old.
The American Heart Association raises the much-needed
funds for research to develop cutting-edge scientific advances
and innovative educational programs that can save the lives
of our loved ones. The Heart Ball is one of the premier events
for the American Heart Association both locally and across
the nation, and the Washington/Mon Valley event has raised
over $1.5 million to support the AHA mission to save lives
by helping people stay well and get well, by finding cures and
fighting back.
The Washington/Mon Valley Heart Ball is now in its
11th year and has a goal of raising $225,000 in 2014. For
every dollar raised locally, the AHA will match $3. Money
raised here, stays here, funding many projects, programs and
services that make the Pittsburgh region one of the top in
the country for the best medical procedures, research, and
patient care. Although she can’t quite talk yet, Harper is an
ideal spokesperson because she demonstrates that heart
disease can affect anyone. Perhaps more importantly, she also
demonstrates with her beautiful smile and zest for life how
the fundraising, research, and new procedures are making a
critical difference in so many lives.
“I am amazed at the survivors and how they want to give
back,”said Diana Cummings, director, Washington County
and Mon Valley Division of the American Heart Association.
“It’s not until we look and see the results that we realize that
maybe even two years ago, what was done might not have even
been possible.”
Harper wears her “beads of courage” today not really
understanding what it took to earn one for every heart
procedure she has had and one for every day spent in the
hospital. Someday, she will understand and her family and
friends will never forget how thankful they are that she’s a part
of their lives. “We feel so blessed that advances in medicine
have made such a difference in her life. We’re so happy to help
raise awareness for such a good cause and will continue to do
so,” said Rachel.
The AHA Washington County/Mon Valley Heart Ball
will be held on March 1, 2014, at the Hilton Garden Inn at
Southpointe. An event run mostly by volunteers, the Heart
Ball also receives donations from individuals and corporations
as well as food, flowers, auction baskets and more. To get
involved or for more information, call 412.208.3554 or visit
washingtonpaheartball.heart.org. ■
26 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | West Mifflin