American Heart Association Honors NJ Healthcare Leaders

Hundreds of New Jersey’s most prominent philanthropists, physicians and community leaders will come together at the American Heart Association’s annual Affair of the Heart Ball, chaired by Robert Hilkert, MD, FACC, FAHA. The gala will roll out the red carpet for a night in Hollywood on Friday, June 7, at The Palace at Somerset Park and will honor four stars in the healthcare industry.

Since 1949, the American Heart Association has funded more than $4 billion in research – second only to the federal government – and currently funds more than 2,000 scientists around the United States. American Heart Association research programs have contributed to many important scientific advances, including the first artificial heart valve, techniques and standards for CPR, implantable pacemakers, treatment for infant respiratory distress syndrome, cholesterol inhibitors, microsurgery, drug-coated stents, and more.

The 2019 Affair of the Heart Ball honorees will be recognized for their outstanding advancements in the industry, in support of the American Heart Association’s mission, passion, work and life-changing and lifesaving achievements, including:

• Alan Lieber, President of Overlook Medical Center and Market Leader, Eastern Region, Atlantic Health System, will be honored with the American Heart Association Harvey E. Nussbaum, MD, Distinguished Service Award for his outstanding service at Atlantic Health System and for the mission of the American Heart Association. This honor is awarded annually to an individual who has made a lifetime commitment to building healthier communities. The award is named in honor of the late Harvey E. Nussbaum, M.D., a renowned cardiologist from Saint Barnabas Medical Center.
• Amarin Pharma Inc is the recipient of the American Heart Association 2019 ADP Community Impact Award. This award honors an outstanding corporation or company who is dedicated to the American Heart Association and the mission of building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
• Abel E. Moreyra, MD, Professional Medicine at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, will be honored with the 2019 Physician of the Year. The American Heart Association Physician of the Year is awarded to an individual nominated by peers or patients, who has made a positive impact on their patients’ lives and is dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke.
• James Klein, MD, Chief Emeritus of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Englewood Health, will be honored with the 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award. This award is presented to an individual who has dedicated their career to fighting heart disease and stroke and to building healthier communities.

The American Heart Association’s Affair of the Heart Ball is the “must attend” social event of the season, where people come to network with peers and socialize with some of the region’s most influential people. The Affair of the Heart Ball recognizes and celebrates excellence in heart and stroke science, research, health care, treatment and community involvement; innovative and life-changing work that enables people from all walks of life to live healthier, stronger, longer lives.

For more information, sponsorship opportunities or to purchase tickets, please contact Katie.Hobday@heart.org, 201.518.1968, or visit northernnj.heartball.org.