Dennis Stefanek, a patient of The Heart Group, threw out the first pitch at the Aeros game on June 17, 2005. Dennis went to college on a pitching scholarship and has love baseball all his life. Due to health problems he has been, at times, restricted from playing his beloved sport. His brother, a year older than Dennis, and he were very close. The recent death of his brother from a sudden heart attack left Dennis devastated.

As many family members looked on, Dennis was presented with an Aeros shirt, signed by all the team members. Able to say a few words to the sell-out crowd, Dennis said "I would like to thank The Heart Group for giving me some extra innings in the game of life".

The evening Aeros game was sponsored by The Heart Group for their employees and families and free blood pressure screenings and information was provided for the fans.

Mr. Stefanek's sent us a thank you note that said, "It was truly an honor and privilege to represent The Heart Group at the Aeros game. How special it was for you to choose me to throw the first pitch. To stand at home plate and express some of my deepest thoughts about a unique part of my life was quite emotional for me and felt terrific to share with 8000 fans, including family and friends. Marge and I will always remember that 'special night'".