AHA Mini Torch Journey

Leading up to the March 15, 2026, American Heart Association (AHA) Heart Mini-Marathon & Walk, TriHealth COO Terri Hanlon-Bremer, this year’s citywide Heart Mini chair, received an Olympic-style “torch” handed off from the 2025 chair, Kroger’s Jody Kalmbach (pictured below).

Five host companies have been selected by AHA to pass the torch, as a symbol of each organization’s commitment to the Heart Mini and the important work that the fundraising enables.

On Monday, January 5, the torch was received by Terri among a group of supportive TriHealth team members and leaders at the Thomas Center. From there, it started its 2-week journey through various TriHealth locations, raising awareness of the Heart Mini along the way. In addition to demonstrating support, the goal is to encourage registrations and donations to the Heart Mini TriHealth team.

You can follow the torch’s journey on the TriHealth Heart & Vascular’s Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/trihealthheartvascular

The last TriHealth handoff will be on January 19 as the torch makes it way to other Cincinnati companies, rounding out 10 weeks of torch-passing prior to the Heart Mini events.

It is especially meaningful for TriHealth to be involved in this year’s Heart Mini, as the theme is “Know Your Beat!” TriHealth’s focus on prevention and heart health aligns with individuals taking responsibility for keeping track of health indicators like blood pressure and knowing Hands-Only CPR, which could save a life.

Additionally, Terri shares her personal “why” for stepping into a leadership role with AHA this year, “Heart disease has a strong hold on my family. My grandfather, uncle and father all passed away in their 50’s suddenly from heart attacks. Two of my younger brothers had heart attacks in their 50's and 40's, respectively. Plus, my daughter had post-partum eclampsia after giving birth to our first grandchild. Her blood pressure (BP) spiked to 166/110. All of this has been a strong reminder of the power in knowledge: knowing our numbers (BP, Cholesterol, LDL, etc.) and taking actions to prevent heart disease. I'm committed to awareness and education as heart disease affects so many people. Having a healthy heart lends to longevity and overall wellbeing.”

Join in the Fun!

If you would like to start, join or support a TriHealth Heart Mini team, visit the TriHealth Heart Mini company page. And visit heartmini.org for more event information.