Director of Business Development at Garmong Construction Nick Schellinger was picking up his twin sons from daycare when he faced a life-threatening event in November 2023.
“I knew what was happening and was scared,” Schellinger said.
Schellinger suffered from a stroke.
In that moment, the 42-year-old Indianapolis resident took initiative over his cardiovascular health and made sure he received the help he needed, foreshadowing how he would later raise over $250,000 in seven weeks as part of the American Heart Association’s Leaders of Impact campaign.
After a week in the hospital, Schellinger fully recovered without lasting effects, a rarity in stroke cases.
American Heart Association and the Leaders of Impact campaign
Schellinger credits his recovery to the safety training he received through his job.
“I knew time was of the essence, and I got to a hospital,” Schellinger said.
Garmong Construction’s participation in the American Heart Association’s Hard Hats with Heart program, which provides resources on heart disease, stroke and healthy living, laid the groundwork for his nomination to the campaign.
“I knew what to do and advocated for myself,” he said.
The campaign mobilized community leaders in over 60 cities, including Circle City, promoting equitable cardiovascular health.
Director of the American Heart Association in Indianapolis Amanda Mills celebrated Schellinger for his advocacy.
“We’re incredibly proud of Nick and all of our nominees’ steadfast efforts to help ensure everyone in Central Indiana has equitable opportunities for a longer, healthier life,” Mills said in a statement.
Collectively, the initiative raised over $4 million.
Schellinger shared similar sentiments surrounding the selection.
“I was honored to be nominated for this program and have the opportunity to make an incredible impact for the AHA, the communities in which we live and those we love and cherish,” Schellinger said.
The American Heart Association continues to advocate for health equity, groundbreaking research and public education, as the organization has done for over a century.
Schellinger, philanthropy and the future of heart health
The American Heart Association in central Indiana’s focus includes addressing high blood pressure, nutrition insecurity and CPR education, which are vital initiatives in the battle against cardiovascular disease.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. Projections from the American Heart Association estimate a significant increase in heart disease and stroke risk factors among younger populations.
With the economic burden of cardiovascular disease expected to triple by 2050, campaigns like the American Heart Association’s Leaders of Impact are necessary.
Beyond his recovery, Schellinger focuses on making a lasting difference in the American Heart Association and cardiovascular health. His efforts secured the second-highest individual fundraising total across the country.
“I believe my story has just begun,” Schellinger said.
Contact multi-media & senior sports reporter Noral Parham III at 317-762-7846. Follow him on X @3Noral. For more news, click here.
