The Greater Utica Division of the American Heart Association honored over 60 dedicated volunteers and organizations at its annual leadership volunteer awards tonight. The yearly awards are a way to recognize all of the volunteers that work to make heart association messages and events successful every year.

Some of the awards handed out include the Distinguished Service Award given to Helen Robinson, who was honored for her work with the Kids' Walk event, including her own design of the heart obstacle course.

The Distinguished Leadership Award was given to Ronald Cuccaro, who was recognized for his service on the greater Utica Area Advisory Board of Directors, including serving as the Chairman of the Volunteer Leadership Committee.

Benjamin Poplaski was honored as the Heart Survivor of the Year. Poplaski was diagnosed with a heart condition at the age of 3 and had open heart surgery in June of 2012.

The Volunteer of the year for 2013 is Patricia Roach who is a member of the Greater Utica Area Advisory Board of Directors and the Go Red for Women Committee. Roach was also the lead coordinator for the Campaign for Quality, which educates more than 400 healthcare providers from 30 different hospitals.

 

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