The American Heart Association’s annual Upstate Heart Ball raised funds to support the fight against heart disease and stroke. On Friday, May 15, A Southern Palm Soirée presented by the Upstate Heart Ball brought together nearly 400 community leaders, volunteers and survivors to celebrate progress in research, advocacy, education and access to care that is improving health outcomes across the Upstate and beyond.
Funds raised from the event will help support the American Heart Association’s mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.
“It has been an honor to lead this campaign and unite our community to support more lifesaving research and education,” said 2026 Upstate Heart Ball chairs Walt and Donyelle Wilkins. “As parents of a heart survivor and friends to many others personally impacted by heart disease and stroke, we understand how important it is to continue advancing this work. We could not be more proud of how the Upstate community has rallied together to help save lives.”
The Upstate Heart Ball is the culmination of a year-round campaign focused on driving breakthroughs in research, improving access to quality care, advocating for healthier communities and equipping more people with the knowledge and resources to respond in critical moments.
Throughout the evening, guests heard stories from local survivors, caregivers, researchers and community leaders whose experiences brought the American Heart Association’s mission to life. Honorees included congenital heart defect survivors and Open Your Heart honorees Mary Burton Wilkins and Will Wright; heart disease survivors Dr. Trey Morrow and Emily Koon; Miss South Carolina Sarah Kay Wrenn; 2026 legacy chairs Ambassador David and Susan Wilkins; community advocate Lekesha Benson; and Boone Norris, a five-month-old open-heart surgery survivor.
The event was held at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena and locally sponsored by The Barndo Co., among others. The evening was hosted by volunteer and Your Carolina anchor Megan Heidlberg.
“We are deeply grateful to our guests, sponsors and volunteers who made this event possible,” said American Heart Association Upstate executive director Ashley Coleman. “Through this community’s outstanding support, we are advancing access to lifesaving education and care, powering groundbreaking scientific discoveries, advocating for better policies and health outcomes, and building a stronger, healthier Upstate for all.”
The American Heart Association is the world’s leading nonprofit organization that focuses on heart and brain health. For more information on how to support the American Heart Association visit heart.org/upstateheartball.
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