26 | OCTOBER 24 • 2024 J
N

D

r. Gary Edelson has been 
chosen as the volunteer 
chairperson for the 2024 
American Heart Association Detroit 
Heart Ball. Through this campaign, 
he is leading community-wide efforts 
to help ensure every individual in 
Southeast Michigan has the opportu-
nity for a full, healthy life. 
The Detroit Heart Ball celebrates 
hope and progress made through the 
dedication and passion of all who sup-
port the American Heart Association’s 
efforts to make an impact on the 
health of the community. These 
efforts include the pursuit of scientific 
discovery, public policy change, equi-
table health for the under-resourced 
and under-represented, and education 
to equip the community to take con-
trol of their health. 
“Dr. Edelson demonstrates out-
standing leadership and dedication 

in the field of endocrinology. His 
passion and commitment to the 
American Heart Association’s mis-
sion, deep understanding of com-
munity needs, and unwavering drive 
to make a difference position him as 
the perfect choice to chair this event,” 
says Sara Hegarty, executive director 
of the American Heart Association, 
Southeast Michigan. “We welcome 
Dr. Edelson to the Heart of Detroit, 
an initiative that centers around better 
health for every individual by focus-
ing on critical issues and works to 
equitably improve and save lives.”
Dr. Edelson is a clinical associ-
ate professor of medicine at Wayne 
State University in Detroit, professor 
at Oakland University’s William 
Beaumont School of Medicine in 
Rochester, and a partner at Associated 
Endocrinologists in Farmington Hills. 
He currently serves on the national 

board of the American Association 
of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE). 
He is also a proud father of Daniel 
(Kelley), Rina (Andrew Nathanson) 
and Jacob. 
“I am honored to serve as the 2024 
Detroit Heart Ball chair,” Edelson said. 
“
As an endocrinologist taking care of 
many patients with diabetes over the 
years, it has become very clear to me 

that heart disease is a major cause of 
morbidity and mortality in those with 
diabetes. There are clear interactions 
and interrelationships between glu-
cose control and the prevention of 
heart disease and stroke. It is my pas-
sion to promote better health for my 
diabetic patients to reduce the risk of 
heart disease, as 70% of patients with 
diabetes succumb to heart disease.” 
Dr. Edelson continued, “This year’s 
Heart Ball is a landmark occasion, 
as the American Heart Association 
celebrates its 100th anniversary. 
“To celebrate this milestone, I 
would like to see an outpouring 
of support from the community, 
especially the cardiology community, 
and individuals who have been 
affected by heart disease, to make a 
big statement this year.” 

Detroit Heart Ball

Dr. Gary Edelson named 2024 American Heart 
Association Detroit Heart Ball Chair.

Details
The 2025 Detroit Heart Ball will be held on Saturday, Nov. 16, at The 
Henry Ford Museum. Throughout the evening, the American Heart 
Association will honor volunteers and patrons, feature stories of 
survivors, and entertain guests with dinner, dancing and an exciting 
auction. For more information on how to support or attend the Detroit 
Heart Ball, visit heart.org/detroitheartball.

OUR COMMUNITY

T

he Jewish Federations of 
North America and the 
Conference of Presidents 
of Major Jewish American 
Organizations are planning a pro-
gram called “Stand Together: A 
Jewish Community Event of Unity, 
Strength and Resilience” on Nov. 10 
in Washington, D.C.
The goal is to boost American 
Jewry, honor its heroes and thank 
its allies after one of the hardest 
years for the community on record. 

At the same time, participants will 
stand with Israel and advocate for 
the hostages still being held captive 
by Hamas in the Gaza Strip after 
the terrorist attacks in Israel on 
Oct. 7, 2023.
The issue of antisemitism will 
also be on the docket. Speakers will 
include politicians, public officials, 
international guests and celebri-
ties. Israeli world-music artist Idan 
Raichel is scheduled to perform.
“The Jewish people are resil-

ient and have long fought against 
antisemitism, adversity and 
impossible odds,” said William 
Daroff, CEO of the Conference 
of Presidents. “This painful situ-
ation is no different and at ‘Stand 
Together,’ we will reaffirm our 
strength as a community standing 
together against hate and antisemi-

tism and standing with the State of 
Israel.”
Eric Fingerhut, JFNA president 
and CEO, said: “It is in the times 
of greatest adversity that the Jewish 
community has shown its strength 
and resilience.”
JFNA’s 2024 General Assembly is 
set to begin after the event. 

MAUISTIK/PIXABAY

Speakers will include public officials, 
international guests and celebrities.

‘Stand Together’ in 
DC Seeks to Promote 
Jewish Unity

JNS.ORG

Dr. Gary 
Edelson

