Kayla, Lilly and Cat
The 22nd annual Southern Coast Heart Ball raised a record-breaking $290,000 at the Westin Resort in Hilton Head, making the community one step closer to fighting heart disease and stroke.
This year’s theme was “The heart of it all,” which honored our local heroes from our first responders and survivors to caretakers and volunteers.
Our Southern Coast Heart Ball Chair Catherine Donaldson is also familiar with losing a loved one to heart disease. Her husband was in the Marine Corps and also lost his battle with heart disease two years ago. Catherine is dedicated to sharing his story so she can save more lives in the community.
The AHA’s Open Your Heart Honoree Lillyana Cochran, who was born with several congenital heart defects, inspired the room with her heroic story. Her father Chuck Cochran Jr., who served our country, passed away suddenly from congestive heart failure. Lillyana and her family are sharing their story to honor his legacy. The AHA’s incredible Open Your Heart Chairs Jeff and Renae Maine also talked about their connection to the AHA as their daughter Maggie was last year’s honoree. Both Maggie and Lillyana show that sometimes real superheroes live in the hearts of small children fighting big battles.
To give back to our mission and help us fund lifesaving research, head to SouthernCoastHeartBall.org.
Our mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. For nearly 100 years, we’ve been fighting heart disease and stroke, striving to save and improve lives. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer worldwide, and stroke ranks second globally. Even when those conditions don’t result in death, they cause disability and diminish quality of life. We want to see a world free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.