Heart Ball Raises $ 2.3 Million for the American Heart Association at Hilton Americas-Houston Downtown

The Houston Heart Ball 2019 has invited its 700 guests to "Imagine with Heart", a world in which lives are longer and healthier.

Thanks to a poignant video of survivors honoring the Cager family, imagining such a world was not an exaggeration.

After their young daughter, Kemarah, suddenly died from cardiomyopathy, a congenital heart defect, the Cagers were ready when their son, Khristian, first showed signs of the same disease. He was immediately treated at the Texas Children's Hospital and walked proudly Saturday night at the Hilton Americas-Houston hotel with his siblings and his parents. Kelli and Kenya.

Presidents Debbie and Jack Moore raised more than $ 2.3 million for the American Heart Association that night. The funds benefit the research and education programs that will save lives from heart disease and stroke – hopefully leading to happy outcomes, such as the Cagers

Black tie evening also honored community leaders Arvia and Jason Few in addition to the honored medical doctor David E. Persse, medical director of the emergency medical services of the
Houston Fire Department and Public Health Authority of the Department of Health and Social Services.

Later, emcee Shara Fryer recognized Hallie Vanderhider, AHA support and president of the Go Red for Women campaign, for sponsoring a blood pressure kiosk that will land on the campus of the University of Houston this spring. It is a preventative tool designed to encourage students, staff and surrounding residents to monitor their heart health.

On the program, musical performances were scheduled, with the send-off of the children's choir and the closing of the Georgia Bridgwater Orchestra. Of course, AHA's auction winners, gala chairs and Young at Heart After Party were the last men (and women) to stand up – they had the most to celebrate.