American Heart Association Honors “Heroes of Heart”

The American Heart Association honored its "Heroes of Heart" at an awards recognition celebration on Thursday night at the Holiday Inn Downtown. Dozens of volunteers, organizations and businesses were recognized for their efforts in helping the American Heart Association in the fight against heart disease and stroke.

Many of those honored played major roles in raising over $265,000 in April's Southern Tier Heart Walk.  Dr. Joseph Scopelliti was thanked for his efforts as the Executive Chairman of the 2018 Southern Tier Heart Walk.  He is the President and CEO of Guthrie Health.  Succeeding him as chair of the 2019 Southern Tier Heart Walk is Kathy Connerton who is the President and CEO of Lourdes/Ascension.

Some of the major award winners include:

Top 2018 Top Company Fundraiser:  UHS with a total of $22,471

Top 2018 Top Team Fundraiser:  Weis with $16,395

Top 2018 Top Community Fundraiser:  Team Tami with a total of $5,030

Top Individual Fundraiser:  Rico DiCamillo with a total of $3,897

Other award-winners include:

2018 Stroke Inspirational Honoree:  Gigi Puglisi

2018 Stroke Inspirational Honoree:  Deborah Norwalk

2018 Stroke Hero of the Year:  Sue Mayes

2018 American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Volunteer of the Year:  Megan Farmer

Numerous others were recognized for their life-saving efforts and volunteer work throughout the area.  Sunday, April 7th was announced as the date for the 2019 Heart Walk.  This will be the 30th Anniversary Heart Walk and will once again be held at SUNY Broome.