Wharton native Dr. Mike Sweeney will receive the American Heart Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his work as a cardiovascular surgeon. Growing up playing football for the Wharton Tigers, Sweeney credits his hometown for shaping his success. Now based at Methodist Hospital Houston, Sweeney’s career includes performing Florida’s first heart and heart-lung transplants. His contributions and dedication to cardiovascular surgery continue to make a significant impact. The award will be presented at the Heart Ball on Sunday in Houston.