Guiding Values Awards

We are pleased to announce the winners of the 2025 Heart of Cleveland Guiding Values Awards! We will celebrate the winners at this year’s Cleveland Heart & Stroke Ball on Friday, June 13, 2025!

The Bringing Science to Life Award is open to a currently funded and local American Heart Association funded researcher, recognizing their steadfast and innovative research work of bringing science to life through research related to cardiovascular and/or neurological health.

For many advancements, the American Heart Association relies on volunteer scientists and lay stakeholders to ensure funding for the most-high-impact and ground-breaking research. As we develop the future treatments and protocols for these devastating diseases, we will need to ensure a robust pathway, so that the Association’s research remains available.

Presented to

Kenneth R. Laurita, Ph.D.
Professor of Medicine and Biomedical Engineering
The MetroHealth System Campus of Case Western Reserve University

The Bringing Science to Life Award is generously sponsored by the Durham Family.

The Extending & Improving People's Lives Award recognizes the importance of promoting the goals of the American Heart Association as a healthcare clinician.

This award can be given to any practicing healthcare provider, such as a physician, nurse, physician’s assistant or other clinical role. Healthcare clinicians are a critical link between using the Association’s science and best practices, and the general population of our community. They help keep us safe, healthy and cared for - in both healthy times and difficult times.

With cardiovascular disease remaining the No. 1 killer of all Americans and stroke the No.5 killer and No. 1 disabler, it is vital to have healthcare practitioners who help with prevention, risk reduction, symptom management, care plans and beyond.

Presented to

Mehdi Shishehbor, DO, MPH, Ph.D.
President
University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute

The Extending & Improving People's Lives Award is generously sponsored by Millcraft. 

The Live Fierce. Stand for All. Award recognizes those who not only Live Fierce for themselves and their loved ones, but also serve as a catalyst for longer, healthier lives for everyone, everywhere.

This person is a champion of our mission, whether they’re advocating for policies to advance equity, creating a sustainable health program to improve more lives or providing education and resources to a population in our community who is at greater risk for developing cardiovascular disease or stroke.

Presented to

Val Woods
CEO & Owner
Val Woods CPR

The Live Fierce. Stand for All. Award is generously sponsored by the Jacobs Family.