BBM Structural Engineers had plenty to celebrate at the 2026 Greater Orlando Heart Walk, held at the University of Central Florida on November 7. The team raised $6,000 for the American Heart Association, surpassing its original $5,000 fundraising goal and continuing a cause that holds special meaning for several members of the BBM family.

Earlier this year, BBM President Bora Erbilen set a goal of raising enough funds to provide another CPR & First Aid Anywhere Training Kit to a local school. The initiative builds on previous campaigns that helped place training kits at Tohopekaliga High School in Kissimmee and University High School in Volusia County.

These kits give students access to hands-on CPR and first aid instruction, equipping them with skills that could one day help save a life. With this year’s fundraising total exceeding the initial goal by $1,000, BBM is pleased to continue supporting lifesaving education and the American Heart Association’s broader mission.

Walking with Heart, 29 Years and Counting

Among BBM’s Heart Walk participants was Mark Matzinger, Construction Administration Department Manager and a 29-year heart transplant survivor.

Mark received his donor heart in 1997, and his participation carries a personal significance that goes far beyond completing the walk. Nearly three decades later, his story reflects the life-changing impact of advances in cardiac care and the importance of continued research and awareness.

Heart health also has a personal connection to BBM President Bora Erbilen, whose daughter, Didem, was born with multiple heart defects and underwent three open-heart surgeries. Today, she is healthy and pursuing her master’s degree at Cornell University.

Their experiences have helped make the American Heart Association’s mission an enduring part of BBM’s community involvement.

Joining Mark at this year’s walk were Dennis Testerman, BIM Technician, and his mother, Cathy Gilbert, along with Asli Sarkisla Aras, her husband Danis, and their daughter Ada. Together, they represented the BBM family at an event that brings survivors, families, colleagues, and supporters together around a shared purpose.

Part of a Greater Orlando Effort

BBM’s $6,000 contribution was part of an even larger achievement. According to the American Heart Association’s local Heart Walk team, the Greater Orlando community has raised more than $1.5 million to date through the 2026 campaign.

That collective effort supports the fight against heart disease and the American Heart Association’s work to advance research, education, and cardiovascular health.

For BBM, reaching this year’s fundraising milestone is especially rewarding because the impact extends into local classrooms. The firm’s continued focus on CPR education reflects a commitment to helping more students learn how to respond when someone experiences a cardiac emergency.

Our Thanks Come from the Heart

BBM extends its appreciation to everyone who donated, encouraged our team, and helped us exceed this year’s fundraising goal. We also thank the American Heart Association and the Greater Orlando Heart Walk organizers for bringing the community together in support of longer, healthier lives.

And to Mark, Dennis, Cathy, Asli, Danis, and Ada, thank you for representing BBM and making this year’s walk a meaningful one.

For Mark, 29 years with his donor heart is a milestone worth celebrating. For BBM, helping more people have the opportunity to reach milestones of their own is what makes this effort so important.