Anne Koehler

Anne Koehler didn’t think of herself as someone who’d make an impact in life-or-death moments. After all, as a former statistics professor at Miami University in Ohio, Anne spent her career analyzing numbers and data—not health care. But her own journey through heartache and hope has shown her that progress isn’t just measured in numbers—it’s also made of real, life-changing moments, especially when it comes to heart health.

Over 40 years ago, Anne's late husband, Don, tragically passed away from a heart attack at the age of just 45. Back then, medical knowledge around heart disease was still in its early stages, and treatments were far more limited than they are today. As a woman who understood the power of data and knowledge, Anne couldn't help but wonder: How many more lives could be saved if there was even better research, education, and awareness about heart disease?

In 2019, Anne’s son faced a similar medical crisis when he experienced cardiac arrest while on a routine bike ride—but this time, the outcome was drastically different. While her husband had passed away in an era where treatment options were scarce, her son’s life was saved thanks to widespread CPR awareness and education. He was with a friend who knew exactly what to do: he called 911, and with the dispatcher’s guidance, performed CPR for seven critical minutes until help arrived. That immediate intervention—driven by education and the life-saving techniques available today—was the difference between life and death. “Things have changed dramatically,” Anne says. The progress she’s seen, from her husband’s death to her son’s survival, has only deepened her belief in the power of research and education.

Fueled by this belief, Anne felt compelled to take action. She turned her passion into a lasting impact by making a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from her IRA to the American Heart Association. "A QCD is a great way to give directly to causes you care about," Anne says. "It’s an efficient way to make a big impact.” A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) allows donors to give directly from their IRA to a qualified charity without having to pay taxes on the amount donated. This tax-efficient method not only helps donors fulfill their charitable goals but also counts toward the required minimum distribution for those age 73 and above, making it an effective way to give back while benefiting from potential tax savings. By contributing to the American Heart Association, Anne is helping to continue the work that saved her son’s life, knowing that her donation will fuel more breakthroughs in heart health for the next century.

For Anne, this gift is a personal way to honor Don’s memory and invest in a future free of heart disease. She has seen the power of progress, and she’s eager to see how the next century of medical advancements will continue to change lives. With each donation, Anne isn’t just giving money—she’s giving her faith in a healthier, more hopeful future, one heartbeat at a time.