The American Heart Association (AHA) welcomed more than 130 supporters to the Lancaster Heart Ball on April 30 at the Lancaster Country Club. It was the first time the event was held in person since February 2020. The campaign raised nearly $120,000 for the AHA.

Katelyn Smith of WGAL 8 hosted the dinner program, which recognized event sponsors and volunteers for their contributions to the AHA and its work in the community. The event also recognized local health care leaders and presented its first Live Fierce, Take Action Award to Dr. Michael Ripchinski, chief clinical officer at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health. The award was presented by Kathy Kravitz of Barley Snyder, which sponsored the award.

In addition to silent and live auctions, guests supported the cause through the Open Your Heart appeal featuring the story of local real estate agent Andy Esbenshade. Andy's father, Dr. John Esbenshade Jr., was a cardiologist in Lancaster for many years and diagnosed Andy with a heart murmur when Andy was 17 years old. At age 40, Andy was diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve after a family doctor detected an irregularity during a routine physical. The valve was still in good condition at the time, but after 24 years of regular check-ups and monitoring, doctors determined it was time for a valve replacement. Andy underwent his valve replacement surgery in August 2021 and was back to work within weeks.

The dollars raised by the Lancaster Heart Ball fund the mission of the AHA to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives while working toward the association's 2024 Health Equity Impact Goal of reducing barriers to health care access and quality.

Photos and event highlights from the Heart Ball can be found on http://www.facebook.com/AHAPennsylvania, and more information is available at http://www.lancasterheartball.heart.org.

For more information about supporting the 2023 Lancaster Heart Ball campaign, contact Alek Tomazin at alek.tomazin@heart.org or 717-730-1701.