CANFIELD — The American Heart Association’s Heart of the Tri-County Heart Ball raised a record-breaking $280,000 to fund the fight against cardiovascular disease.

The event is the culmination of the association’s year-long campaign that is focused on funding research, education, and raising funds to support the organization’s lifesaving work.

The ball was held Nov. 3 at Waypoint 4180 under the leadership of 2022 campaign co-chairs James and Christina Dascenzo,

The association, alongside HBK CPAs & Consultants and HBKS Wealth Advisors, this year’s Live Fierce sponsor, also recognized an individual who has made a significant impact on the tri-County community.

Amy Kren was awarded the Live Fierce Award, for setting an example for others through her commitment and passion, for inspiring and educating on the importance of living a healthy lifestyle and working to improve or extend the lives of those in our community.

Kren suffered a heart attack at the age of 38 and since then, has made it her mission to promote a healthy lifestyle and teach others about the early signs of a heart attack.

“I am humbled and truly honored to receive this incredible award. It is my desire, passion, and purpose to share my story and to help bring heart health awareness to others. If I can help at least one person, then what I went through was worth it,” she said.

The fundraising goal for dollars raised in the room during the Heart Ball was exceeded this year. The dollars raised fund the mission of the American Heart Association for longer, healthier lives while supporting priority critical issues in the tri-county area including blood pressure programs, and Hands-Only CPR education and training. All of these support the association’s 2024 Health Equity Impact Goal, reducing barriers to health care access and quality.

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