New York

Emmie Wilson: Syracuse Heart Challenge Inspirational Honoree

Gina Vaughn-Wilson is a “mom on a mission.” She and her family have been on a medical journey since her daughter, Emmie Wilson, was about 7-months-old. In April of 2023, just two months before Emmie turned two, she was finally diagnosed with an extremely rare genetic disorder. A few months later, she was in heart failure.

Read about Emmie’s story

HeartCorps Member Working with Y to Improve Health in Hudson Valley

Wappingers Falls native Natasha Fowler-Varon is the Hudson Valley’s first HeartCorps member, working to improve health in the Kingston area in affiliation with the YMCA of Kingston & Ulster County.

HeartCorps is the American Heart Association’s new Public Health AmeriCorps service opportunity. Most of the programs operate in rural areas, or smaller population areas like Kingston. Public Health AmeriCorps is a program of AmeriCorps and the CDC, and will provide a pathway to public health-related careers while helping to meet the public health needs of local communities.

Learn more about Natasha Fowler-Varon

After Two Strokes and Heart Surgery, Mom of Two Wants to Inspire Others

When Kelly Naab had a mini-stroke while in the car, her first thought was for her kids. After two strokes and heart surgery, mom of two wants to inspire others. “I had to calm my kids down before I did anything else,” Kelly, of Buffalo, NY, said. Her three-year-old and her six-year-old were in the backseat and could tell something was wrong.

Read about Kelly’s story

Wegmans and the American Heart Association Teaming up to Save Lives Through CPR

With nearly 3 out of 4 cardiac arrests outside of the hospital occurring in homes, knowing how to perform CPR is critically important. CPR, especially if performed immediately, could double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival. That is why the American Heart Association, the worldwide leader in resuscitation science and education, and Wegmans are adding lifesavers to the chain of survival by providing Hands-Only CPR education resources in the community through CPR & First Aid in Youth Sports™ Training Kits.

Save Lives Through CPR

Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survivor; Woman with Congenital Heart Defect to Share Their Stories

Mary Jo Cipollini and Karina Gonzabay shared their stories at the Hudson Valley Heart Walk, which took place on both sides of the Walkway Over the Hudson on April 27.

Read about their stories

Hospital CEO leads Hudson Valley Heart Walk

In January, heart disease became personal for Steven Kelley, president and CEO of Ellenville Regional Hospital, and past three-term chair of the American Heart Association Board of Directors in the Poughkeepsie area.

Read about Steven Kelley’s story