“Hearts at Night” is June 23rd in Portland: Local stroke survivor and medical experts to share their insights

Raise a glass, bid on auction items, and help the American Heart Association in Maine fund lifesaving research and education by attending “Hearts at Night” on June 23^rd at Aura in Portland.  The Association’s only nighttime event in Portland, this annual Go Red for Women® networking and fundraising event also educates its attendees about heart disease and stroke in women.  

 

A brief speaking program, emceed by Channel 8 WMTW Anchor Kathleen Jordan, will feature local stroke survivor Blair Weaver of Cumberland. “A stroke can happen to anyone at any age. I was a healthy 31-year-old woman when I had mine due to an

undiagnosed hole in my heart. My husband’s fast action saved my life. He recognized my garbled speech, facial droop, and right-sided paralysis and called 911. Luckily, I was given a clot-busting drug which relieved my symptoms right away and dramatically reduced my chances for long-term disabilities. Time lost is brain lost when it comes to stroke,” said Weaver. 

 

In addition, two local medical experts will provide a brief presentation on women’s unique risk factors for stroke during various life stages such as pregnancy and menopause. Dr. Jane Morris, Medical Director of Stroke at Maine Medical Center and the Medical Director of the MaineHealth TeleStroke Network, and Dr. Robert Ecker, Chief of the Neuroscience Service Line, Division Director of Neurosurgery at MaineHealth, and Professor of Neurosurgery at Tufts University School of Medicine, will help attendees understand how to recognize a stroke and how to prevent stroke by managing major risk factors for stroke – especially high blood pressure.

 

The night will be topped off with an exciting live auction conducted by Mike Carey of Tranzon Auction Properties. Featured items include: a Peak’s Island vacation package; box seats at the Portland Seadogs; and a beautiful necklace from Folia. A silent auction will also be held. 

 

“Hearts at Night” is locally sponsored by Northeast Bank, Channel 8 WMTW and Mainebiz. The Go Red for Women campaign is sponsored nationally by CVS Health. 

 

Tickets are available at Event.Gives/heartsatnight for $35 in advance/$40 at the door. For additional questions, please contact Anna DeLuca, Go Red for Women Event Director, at [email protected]. Dress is business casual, and appetizers and a cash bar will be provided.