A century of bold hearts: The American Heart Association celebrates 100 years of lifesaving impact

 The founding of the American Stroke Association in 1998 has to be considered a complete failure! They don't even have 100% recovery as their goal!  I don't know why stroke is in their name because it certainly is NOT to help stroke survivors!

Send me hate mail on this: oc1dean@gmail.com. I'll print your complete statement with your name and my response in my blog. Or are you afraid to engage with my stroke-addled mind? I'm curious why you aren't working on what survivors want:100% RECOVERY!

A century of bold hearts: The American Heart Association celebrates 100 years of lifesaving impact

For 100 years, the American Heart Association has been at the forefront of scientific innovation and community impact, saving and improving lives across the globe. Founded on June 10, 1924, by six visionary cardiologists in Chicago, the American Heart Association has grown into the nation’s largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke(You're doing nothing for stroke survivors!). In 2024, the American Heart Association proudly celebrates its centennial milestone — Bold Hearts™ — while continuing its relentless mission to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere.

100 years of progress and innovation

From its humble beginnings, the American Heart Association has driven groundbreaking advancements in cardiovascular care. Over the past century, the organization has been instrumental in the development of the artificial heart valve, implantable pacemakers, and lifesaving CPR techniques. It has invested more than $5.7 billion in cardiovascular research, making it the leading nonprofit funder of heart and stroke research worldwide.

“Our mission has always been clear: to ensure equitable health for all,” said Laura Lopez, executive director of the American Heart Association. “We’ve achieved so much in 100 years, but there is still so much to do as we look ahead to our second century.”

The American Heart Association’s centennial celebration, Bold Hearts™, honors this legacy while reinforcing a vision for the future. By addressing health inequities, removing barriers to care, and championing innovative research, the organization is paving the way for a healthier world.

Collaborating for a healthier tomorrow

The American Heart Association’s success would not be possible without the support of its volunteers, researchers, individuals and corporate sponsors. Among these valued partners is JE Dunn Construction, which is also celebrating its centennial in 2024.

JE Dunn has been a steadfast supporter of the American Heart Association’s mission, demonstrating the power of partnership in creating healthier communities. The Kansas City-based construction firm has not only transformed skylines but also prioritized philanthropic efforts that align with the American Heart Association’s goals of advancing health equity and extending lives.

“For 100 years, the American Heart Association has saved, improved, and extended lives across the country and here in Kansas City,” said Gordon Lansford, president and CEO of JE Dunn Construction. “Having the opportunity for JE Dunn to support this organization over the years, and for me personally to serve our community as honorary chair of the 2025 Kansas City Heart Ball, is an honor and privilege.”

The Kansas City Heart Ball, one of the American Heart Association’s premier fundraising events, serves as a vital platform to raise awareness and funds in the fight against heart disease and stroke. Lansford’s leadership as the 2025 Honorary Chair highlights a shared commitment to advancing health and hope for all. The event, chaired by Nate Orr of Spencer Fane and his wife Stephanie Orr, will take place on Feb. 22, 2025, at the Loews Kansas City Hotel. Guests will come together to celebrate the American Heart Association’s legacy and help drive its lifesaving mission forward into the next century.

A vision for the future

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, with stroke ranking second globally. Despite these challenges, the American Heart Association continues to fuel scientific discovery, advocate for patients and caregivers, and work alongside communities to create meaningful change.

Key initiatives, such as the organization’s “10 Commitments” to advance health equity, underscore its dedication to removing systemic barriers to care. The American Heart Association also leads the creation of evidence-based guidelines for cardiovascular care and CPR, ensuring that everyone has access to the best possible treatment.

The American Heart Association remains steadfast in its mission to prevent heart disease and stroke(Well, your mission is wrong in case of stroke! Solve stroke to 100% recovery!). Its efforts are powered by more than 35 million volunteers and supporters, as well as partnerships with organizations like JE Dunn Construction that share a passion for improving lives.

Join the celebration

For 100 years, the American Heart Association has been a beacon of hope, innovation and progress. As the American Heart Association celebrates this historic milestone, everyone is invited to join the mission of the American Heart Association. Because our future is about improving yours.

Contact Jackie McMahon at Jackie.McMahon@heart.org to learn more about how you can support the American Heart Association’s lifesaving mission and improve health outcomes in Kansas City.