The Delaware Heart & Stroke Ball honored four Delawareans for their contributions to heart health and community well-being. (honorees: Laura Mood, Jennifer Oldham, Dr. Baker-Smith, E. Thomas Harvey/ MC: Tom Stebbins)
WILMINGTON —The Delaware Heart & Stroke Ball gathered community members to support the American Heart Association’s (AHA) work in preventing heart disease and stroke.
Held as part of the Heart of Delaware campaign, the evening recognized community members who have significantly contributed to the fight against heart disease and highlighted the organization’s continued efforts to promote health equity, fund research, and expand access to care.
The campaign brings individuals and organizations together to commit to reducing cardiovascular disease and stroke, raising critical funds to advance scientific breakthroughs and public health advocacy.
Attendees heard personal stories from Delawareans who have benefited directly from AHA programs and research, from CPR training and cardiac interventions to nutrition access and genetic testing.
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The AHA’s efforts were grouped into four core areas — equity, knowledge, discovery, and advocacy — showing the range of its work both nationally and in Delaware. Several stories from the Delaware community brought these themes to life.
The evening honored four Delawareans for their contributions to heart health and community well-being. Laura Mood was recognized for her work with Reach Riverside’s FedUp program, which improves food access through free groceries, fresh produce, and daily meals. Jennifer Oldham was celebrated for her decades of CPR training and for using that training in 2007 to save her mother-in-law’s life. Dr. Baker-Smith, a pediatric cardiologist and longtime AHA volunteer, was honored for advancing national heart health policy for children and adolescents. E. Thomas Harvey was recognized for mentoring future health advocates and working to shape public policy that supports healthier communities.
Joy A. Barrist, a partner at Potter Anderson & Corroon LLP, served as chair of this year’s Heart of Delaware campaign and led the evening’s program with remarks highlighting the impact of the American Heart Association’s work and the importance of continued support.
“I’m astonished by the fact that 100 years ago, heart disease was hands down a death sentence. Today, it is not. Even though, after all these years, it still remains a number one killer worldwide. So we are not done yet,” Barrist stated.
Encouraging attendees to support the American Heart Association’s mission, Barrist urged the crowd to take action during the live auction, saying, “Raise your paddles, because if not now, when? If not us, then who?”
Throughout the night, guests were encouraged to support the AHA’s mission by participating in a live auction led by auctioneer Tom Stebbins. Items included diamond jewelry, Phillies Diamond Club tickets, and 2025–2026 Eagles field-level seats. The whole campaign raised over $300,000 to support the American Heart Association’s ongoing work.
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Claudia is a Philadelphia-based journalist and reporter passionate about storytelling that informs and engages the community. Claudia, a proud Temple University graduate, has built a career covering impactful stories and creating compelling content across digital and print media platforms. With a strong background in writing, editing, and research, Claudia has worked on various topics, from local news to in-depth features, always striving to deliver meaningful and accurate reporting.
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