Twenty-four years ago, Joanne Nuccio’s father-in-law passed away after his third heart attack, at only 57 years old. 

The American Heart Association, one of Prime’s five strategic partners, aims to prevent tragedies like the one Nuccio’s family experienced, with the mission of being a driving force for longer, healthier lives. 

Her family is not alone. Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. And according to the Centers for Disease Control, one person dies every 33 seconds from the disease. 

“Many people who experience a heart-related event don’t even know about their underlying condition beforehand,” Nuccio said. “It’s important to me to support an organization that does a lot of education and outreach in our communities across the country, including those that may not have easy access to resources.” 

Since her father-in-law’s death, Nuccio has been an active supporter of the American Heart Association. An Illinois native, she most recently participated in the Chicago Heart Walk. She appreciated the opportunity to give back and raise awareness about a disease that impacts so many families nationwide.

“The Heart Walk is a fun event that makes you feel like you are making a difference, with live music, photo opportunities and more,” Nuccio said. “It was also a chance to meet others who have been touched by the disease.”

In addition, Nuccio said it was an avenue to connect with other Illinois-based Prime Therapeutics employees.

“I’ve also appreciated that the walk is an opportunity to meet up with my Prime colleagues and get to know them outside of a Teams meeting,” Nuccio said. “An event like this contributes to a one-team mentality where you’re working toward a common cause — both at the walk and from a business standpoint.”

Nuccio encourages other employees to get involved with the American Heart Association, whether it’s during the company’s Week of Service event, which encourages employees to support the company’s charity partners — many of which address the major health care conditions that Prime helps its customers manage — or throughout the year. 

“These types of camaraderie-building events are well worth it and I’d encourage any employee to get involved,” Nuccio said. “You’re helping others by raising awareness and you will likely get a lot out of it, too, because you’re making a difference.”

Learn more about how Prime gives back in the company’s most recent Corporate Social Responsibility report.