The AHA in Philadelphia is pleased to announce the expansion of the Faces of Heart campaign with local philanthropists Stephanie & Matthew Austin, M.D. With their gift of $120,000, the AHA is grateful to the Austin’s for their support of local survivors in their quest for living FEIRCE healthy lives!
As a heart survivor herself, Stephanie has been passionate about the work of the American Heart Association. In her mid-30’s as a healthy, young mother, Stephanie went into cardiac arrest in her sleep. Had it not been for her husband who happened to be awake at the time and know the lifesaving skill of CPR, Stephanie would not have survived her ordeal. Because of this, Stephanie Austin has been one of Philadelphia’s strongest advocates for CPR education and was present when the Pennsylvania House Education Committee’s passed Senate Bill 115, making CPR education a qualification for high school graduation in the state.
“Alongside the American Heart Association, our goal is to amplify the voices of heart and stroke survivors by raising awareness that cardiovascular diseases is the No. 1 killer of women, while educating the community on how to improve their heart health,” says Stephanie Austin, who also serves as the 2021 Go Red for Women Chair.
The Faces of Heart Campaign will call for submissions from the community to highlight stories of women affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke, and to showcase stories of survival from women who have advocated for themselves, have overcome unconscious bias and who are using their voice to advocate for others. “With the Faces of Heart Campaign, we hope to continue to raise awareness and empower women to commit to the health and wellness of themselves and their communities,” says Austin.
The goal of the Faces of Heart campaign is to expand the AHA’s network of survivors and meet women from all walks of life throughout the Philadelphia region who have struggled with cardiovascular disease. “The strength and security that our heart sisters feel when we support one another is like nothing else, and our collective voices make us even stronger,” continued Austin.
Submissions for Faces of Heart are being accepted now, and the winning honorees will be named at the Go Red for Women luncheon on May 7, 2021.