Eric Wetzel, a healthy 45-year-old schoolteacher, survived cardiac arrest, thanks to the quick action of his wife, Megan, who immediately performed hands-only CPR while their four children watched. The Wetzel family shared their story at the annual Greater Des Moines Heart Ball on Feb. 11, which raised more than $450,000 to fight cardiovascular disease. The Heart of Greater Des Moines campaign and the Heart Ball support the American Heart Association’s 2024 Health Equity Impact Goal to reduce barriers to health care access and quality. The campaign runs through June 30, 2023, and aims to raise $600,000. Craig Hunt was named the 2023 Judy Willis Volunteer of the Year, and Susan Ruehling received the American Heart Association Greater Des Moines 2022-23 Leaders of Impact award for her work in driving equitable health in the community.