The 18th annual Erie Heart Ball drew a sell-out crowd for 2013. The event recognizes those who donate funds and volunteer to advance the mission of the area chapter of the American Heart Association. Organizers say it brings the whole medical community together, including doctors from UPMC Hamot and Saint Vincent Health Center for the common cause of fighting heart disease.
Local Heart Association President, Dr. David M. Strasser said, "The most important thing is we're trying to raise awareness that heart disease is the number one killer for men and women. The research going on here and across the nation is to help people live better and longer with heart disease and stroke."
Strasser said this year's event also had a focus on the 35-thousand children born each year with congenital heart disease. He said 35-hundred of them won't survive. Some of the money raised the ball and an auction at the event will support research in that area. Organizers hope this year's heart ball raises a quarter of a million dollars.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and WICU. All Rights Reserved.
