Message from the Chair 

Welcome to the 19th Annual Heart Ball, one of the most anticipated social events in the Central Valley. It is my great pleasure to be the chair of this year’s event.

The Heart Ball is a celebration of the American Heart Association’s (AHA) mission-related work in the Central Valley. It is also an occasion to salute local donors, sponsors and volunteers who, through the years, have helped the organization in its fight against America’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers – heart disease and stroke. 

This year, the Heart Ball shines the spotlight on congenital heart defects, which afflict about 36,000 infants each year and are the leading cause of death from birth defects. 

These defects can be both expensive and widespread. In 2004, hospital costs for congenital cardiovascular defects exceeded $2.6 billion. Between 650,000 to 1.3 million people in the United States live with a cardiovascular defect they’ve had since birth.

The American Heart Association is at the forefront of the fight against congenital heart defects. I was very pleased to learn that in 2007-2008, the association invested more than $11 million on pediatric heart research and has funded nearly 500 pediatric research studies nationwide in the last eight years. More and more children who are born with heart defects are getting a chance at a bright future, thanks to advances in pediatric medical research made possible by funding from the AHA.

While we have made huge strides in the fight against congenital heart defects, there remain hundreds of other research studies left unfunded – research that could pave the way for a better understanding of congenital heart defects and possible cures for these defects. 

The Heart Ball is an opportunity for us leaders in the community to stand up, come together and take action to ensure that no stone is left unturned in the quest to fight congenital cardiovascular defects.

I hope that you will join me and other fellow business, medical and community leaders at the Heart Ball at Weber BMW on May 15, 2010. We need your support now more than ever.

I look forward to working with you in helping the American Heart Association build healthier lives free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke in Central Valley.Thank you,

Elaine Genevro Chair,
2010 Central Valley Heart Ball
Senior Vice President, Market President, Union Bank,
Central California Division