Media Advisory: American Heart Association Philadelphia Heart Walk 2021 set for November 6 at Citizens Bank Park

For Media Inquiries: Theresa Spencer: 267-997-3354; Theresa.Spencer@Heart.org For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) heart.org and stroke.org   This year’s American Heart Association Heart Walk will take place on Saturday, Nov. 6, … Read more

Daniel J. Rader, M.D., FAHA, of the University of Pennsylvania, to receive 2021 Research Achievement Award, the American Heart Association’s highest scientific award

The American Heart Association (AHA)will present its 2021 Research Achievement Award to Daniel J. Rader, M.D., FAHA, of the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. He will … Read more

2021 Southern New Jersey Heart – First In- Person Event Since the Pandemic

 

On October 23, 2021, the Fall Southern New Jersey Heart Walk took place at the Riverwinds Community Center in West Deptford, NJ. This was the first outdoor and in-person event since the beginning of the pandemic. Over 600 people and even a few pets attended the Heart Walk and raised over $100,000. Nicholas Scardino, VP of Truist Bank served as the Fall Heart Walk Chairman. During an interview with POP 99.9 FM, he shared that he is a heart survivor and how he experienced a heart attack while looking in the mirror getting ready for work. Emma Kimenhour, Development Director for South New Jersey, and her team ensured that everyone was safe while having a great time.

 

The Heart Walk is designed to help companies positively impact employee overall health and well-being. The program is anchored in a series of customizable workplace events that inspires employees to be more engaged, reconnect with colleagues, get in their physical activity, support a great cause and have a lot of fun doing it.

 

Thank you to BB&T now Truist Bank, Zallies Shop Rite, Virtua Health System, Jefferson, Lockheed Martin, Bayada, M & T Bank, Pop FM 99.9 radio, Riverwinds Community Center, and the many other sponsors who supported the walk and for all those who volunteered to make this a successful event. It’s not too late to donate, go to www.snjfallhw.org.

 

Contact Emma.Kimenhour@heart.org for more information and how to participate in the 2022 Spring Heart Walk, date, time, and location to be determined.

Philadelphia’s American Heart Association Host’s Hard Hats with Hearts – First In-Person Event Since the Start of the Pandemic

Philadelphia, PA. September 30, 2021 – The American Heart Association of Philadelphia hosted Hard Hats with Hearts, the organization’s first in-person event since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic.  The event was held at Xfinity Live! in South Philadelphia, to raise awareness about heart disease and stroke, the number 1 and number 5 killers respectively, of Americans which disproportionately affects the construction industry. Today, 1 in 4 construction workers are considered obese, and 25% use tobacco and do not get enough exercise.

The Association in Philadelphia is bringing “Hard Hats with Heart” to several construction industry employers to provide resources, education, and inspiration to help employees live a heart-healthier lifestyle in Philadelphia. During the pandemic, $405,750 were raised under Shawn Carlin’s (Vice President of Gilbane Building Co.) chairmanship.

Over 130 construction and healthcare providers attended the networking cocktail the outdoor reception on the patio of upscale 1100 Social at X-Finity Live!.

Philadelphia’s construction industry has been a strong supporter of the American Heart Association. Over 40 construction-related companies sponsored the 2021 Philadelphia Heart Walk including IBEW 98, Gilbane, Cordish Companies, Madison Concrete Construction, CBRE, and much more.

 

Join us on November 6th at Citizens Bank Park for the Philadelphia Heart Walk. For more information, contact Michelle Evetts at Michelle.Evetts@Heart.org or by calling (215) 575- 5239.

Is Your Heart Health a Family Matter?

Our risk of heart disease is something many of us should know—as heart disease is the top cause of death in the U.S. And, as Bayhealth Cardiologist Mussaber Ahmad, DO, explains, personal risk factors aren’t the only ones to consider.

“Family history is also important to determine overall risk, as there is a genetic component associated with coronary artery disease,” said Dr. Ahmad, who became a doctor because both of his grandfathers passed away from coronary artery disease (CAD) – the most common type of heart disease.

To help figure out if genetics or a family history play a role in your overall risk of heart disease, Dr. Ahmad said you can start with the following key factors.

  • A first-degree relative (biological parent or sibling) who has/had heart disease
  • Any relative(s) who has/had any of the following:
    • Angina
    • Heart attack (myocardial infarction)
    • Heart failure
    • High cholesterol
    • Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
    • Stroke
    • Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
    • Thoracic or abdominal aortic aneurysm

Beyond this list, Dr. Ahmad said there are other factors that need to be taken into account. They include the age and gender of any first-degree relatives with heart disease and your family’s ethnicity/race.

“If a male first-degree relative has CAD before the age of 55 or a female first-degree relative has CAD before the age of 65, this is considered premature CAD, which puts you at higher risk,” explained Dr. Ahmad. “Another important factor is belonging to a high-risk race or ethnicity such as South Asians. By some estimates, South Asians account for up to 60 percent of the world’s heart disease population, despite making up only 25 percent of the world’s general population. Also, compared to the general population, South Asians have up to a four times greater risk of developing heart disease.”

“A history of pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia or a history of menopause before age 40 are other risk factors women need to consider,” he added.

Putting together your family history will take some time and effort. Dr. Ahmad suggests you start by finding out if your parents, brother(s), and/or sister(s) have or had any of the medical conditions mentioned above or other risk factors.

Once you have your family history compiled be sure to share it with your doctor. “As physicians, we use family history and your personal risk factors to determine 10-year and lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease, and then recommend the appropriate therapy based on your risk. Examples of therapies we may prescribe include statins and aspirin,” said Dr. Ahmad.

While family history plays a role, Dr. Ahmad said your personal risk factors for heart disease are most important. This includes ones such as hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, obesity, and age. When it comes to age, your risk of heart disease goes up with each decade of life. That’s why Dr. Ahmad also said screening with blood tests and identifying additional risk factors starting at age 20 is a good idea.

For other health tips, visit Bayhealth’s Community Health and Wellness blog  www.bayhealth.org/community-health-and-wellness

The American Heart Association’s Equity-Focused 2022 Public Policy Agenda Builds on Health Impact in 2021

Every day, Americans’ lives are touched by heart disease and stroke. Whether it is our own health that is impacted or the lives of family members, friends, or co-workers, there is a lot at stake when it comes to fighting our nation’s No. 1 and No. 5 killers – cardiovascular disease and stroke. As a champion for health equity in the Greater Washington Region the American Heart Association (AHA) will advance cardiovascular health for all by supporting legislation that removes barriers to health care access and quality, improves access to nutritious food and water and strengthens funding for community and family programs.

The AHA Greater Washington Region recently released its 2022 public policy agenda.

“The proposed priorities build on the community-based health impact of recent

Dr. Asch
Dr. Federico Asch, president of the Board of Directors, American Heart Association Greater Washington Region

years and seek to promote health equity across Northern Virginia, Washington, DC and Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties in Maryland,” said Dr. Federico Asch, president of the American Heart Association Greater Washington Region Board of Directors and cardiologist at MedStar Health. “In 2022, the AHA, its You’re the Cure advocates and coalition partners will tackle a variety of urgent community needs including food security, tobacco control, health equity, and emergency response.”

Highlights of the policy agenda include:

  • Implementing and funding DC’s flavored tobacco sales restriction law passed in 2021.
  • Ensuring all 911 call takers are trained to teach CPR over the phone
  • Expanding access to water and reducing sugary drink consumption in schools
  • Creating heathier kids’ meals menus at restaurants
  • Increasing access to healthy and affordable fruits and vegetables
  • Identifying funding for health equity programs
  • Expanding postpartum Medicaid coverage to 12 months

This equity-focused 2022 agenda builds on important health impact in 2021, which included legislation that:

  • Restricts the sale of flavored tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and menthol in Washington, DC. (only the 2nd state to do so).
  • Requires restaurant kids’ meals in Prince George’s County to meet healthier nutrition standards for both the food and beverage (the nation’s only such policy).
  • Doubles DC’s investment in Produce Rx, allowing more  under-resourced residents to access affordable and nutritious food.

By convening advocates and community partners, the AHA makes a difference by putting forward policies that help build healthier communities and healthier lives. For more information and to get involved, sign-up at: https://www.yourethecure.org/.

Click here to view the entire 2022 DC Policy Agenda.

Delaware AHA Aims to Control State’s High Blood Pressure Rates

34.6% of Delawareans have hypertension (or high blood pressure), which is the leading cause of stroke. The state of Delaware has the 4th largest rate of mortality from stroke in the entire US. The American Heart Association has gathered a group of advocates, hospital and private practice representatives, like-minded nonprofit organizations, physicians, and nurses to form the Delaware Hypertension Control Network. The group’s priority is to achieve more than 70% or greater hypertension control across Delaware by 2024.

As part of the Delaware Hypertension Control Network, the American Heart Association has partnered with Delaware Libraries to provide each public library with several Omron Blood Pressure Monitors. This program allows the public to “check out” free blood pressure cuffs for up to 3 weeks for self monitoring purposes.  The monitors are easy to operate and read and include:

  • Monitor
  • Cuff
  • User manual
  • Blood pressure pamphlet
  • Carrying case
  • Batteries

The goal of this program is to remove all barriers to accessable self-monitoring equipment so that members of the community can take the first step towards monitoring and controlling their own blood pressure.  To find out where to pick up your monitoring kit, visit spr.ly/1597

Pittsburgh Pastor Receives Top Grant at the First EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator™ Faith-Based

The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, announced the top awardees of its first-ever EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator™ Faith-Based hosted … Read more

American Heart Association Philadelphia Names David Pacitti, President of Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc. and Head of Americas at Siemens Healthineers as 2021 Philadelphia Heart Walk Chairman

Philadelphia, July 22, 2021 — The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on ensuring longer, healthier lives for all, has named David Pacitti, President of Siemens Medical … Read more

Penn Medicine-Led Research Team Awarded $2.9 Million to Study Heart Disease and Cancer in Black and Hispanic Communities

Grant will fund projects aimed at reducing racial disparities in breast and prostate cancer patients with a higher risk for cardiovascular disease July 19, 2021 Bonnie Ky, MD, MSCE PHILADELPHIA— The … Read more

Go Red for Women Celebrates 10th Anniversary in Baltimore, MD

On Thursday, June 17, 2021, the American Heart Association (AHA) of Greater Maryland hosted its annual Go Red for Women luncheon, digitally, for the second year in a row due … Read more

Five Faith-Based Organizations Named as Finalists in the American Heart Association’s First EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator™ Faith-Based

Over $105,000 in Grants Will be Awarded to Local Community Leaders Faith-based organizations and places of worship have played an important role during the COVID-19 crisis in our country. These … Read more

New Jersey leaders unite for a common passion, pedaling their way towards better brain health for all.

Stroke is the nation’s No. 5 killer, and leading cause of disability. The American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, is hosting CycleNation to raise awareness about … Read more

EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator™ Faith-Based Workshop Highlights Powerful Partnerships, Kicks-Off Grant Application Period

Webinar panelists four-pane
Webinar panelists share wisdom around community impact.

The power of partnerships built on trust, dignity and respect was a key theme during March 17th’s EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator™ Faith-Based Workshop Zoom webinar, hosted by the American Heart Association (AHA), Eastern States region.

“When you see value in people, it affirms that value that is in you,” said Dr. Abraham Shanklin, Jr. Founder/Executive Director of the Center for Transformation in Maryland, an AHA collaborator.

During the webinar, Shanklin and ENON Tabernacle Baptist Church Rev. Leroy Miles, Jr. of Philadelphia, provided tips based on their own experiences in bolstering scalable community impact.

“It’s about those relationships that give you access,” said Miles. “Don’t be afraid to try, don’t be afraid to ask.”

Shanklin speaking
Bishop Shanklin

Shanklin and Miles offered wisdom gleaned from their own community leadership experiences to inspire webinar participants as AHA, Eastern States region launched the application cycle opening for it’s EmPOWERED to Serve Faith-Based Accelerator. The Faith-Based Accelerator is a grant-funding initiative for faith institutions and leaders to continue and scale their business models aimed at addressing social determinants of health in their communities. AHA aligns with faith-based communities to improve health and empower sustainable outcomes. Applications for a total of $105K in grant funding to communities of faith in select states will be accepted through April 30, 2021. Learn more or apply here.

Miles headsot
Reverend Miles

Shanklin and Miles were joined by AHA’s Vice President, Health Equity and National Partnerships Pamela Garmon-Johnson, who emphasized how important it is to deploy resources “connecting the dots so that we can have the greatest impact on our communities.”

“We have been charged with a purpose in order to be the voice for the voiceless….when we put all of our resources together that is when we can truly, truly put together the greatest difference,” said Garmon-Johnson.

Both Miles and Shanklin have successfully bolstered efforts to positively impact the social determinants of health in their own communities — factors that influence where and how people live, learn, work and play and provide context to a person’s life. Social determinants can play just as big of a role in affecting health as medications and physical lifestyle changes. Their work has included focusing on recidivism, family stability, food security, and health knowledge.

“We’ve tried to be a model and help you replicate [successful programs] at your spot,” said Miles, who collaborated to move ENON’s annual “Know Your Numbers” health-screening day, aimed at reaching 1,000 Philadelphia men, to a drive-through experience amid COVID-19. Participants were able to get take-home colon screening kits, HIV screenings, BP checks, glucose, cholesterol, and COVID screenings at the event which Miles termed a “significant pivot in such a time as this.” AHA provided take-home blood pressure kits for self-monitoring for those who were found to be hypertensive.

“You all are heroes in your respective areas, the assignments that you have, the passion that you have. All of these ideas [we are putting forth], they serve just as starting blocks,” said Shanklin. Among the many initiatives of the Center, Shanklin and his partners were able to feed 1200 people in Maryland and distribute over 50K pounds of food by leveraging county relationships.

Both Miles and Shanklin highlighted the value of partnering with organizations, including AHA. “I love the partnerships with AHA and EmPOWERED to Serve,” said Shanklin. Miles noted that the reimagined “Know Your Numbers” program gained traction due to partnerships with local AHA board members and Einstein Health.

“Powerful partnerships, meeting people where they are, and speaking with a trustworthy voice are three of the AHA’s Guiding Values — our 10 commitments to health equity — this shores up making sure that we are holding ourselves accountable so that we can make an impact,” said Garmon-Johnson.

American Heart Association, Eastern States Vice President Health Strategies Rhonda Ford-Chatmon asked webinar participants to provide feedback so that AHA can continue to strengthen community partnerships.

“Tell us what you need. We are here to be responsible. We are listening to you, and we want to be of help,” said Ford-Chatmon. She invited anyone with community needs to email questions or ideas to 2021FaithBasedAccelerator@heart.org

To watch the entire workshop, click here.

The American Heart Association Launches Funding Initiative Aimed at Supporting Communities through Local Faith Institutions

Faith-based organizations and places of worship have played an important role during the COVID-19 crisis in our country. These organizations and their volunteers and staff have been on the frontline, … Read more

Opinion: Insurance coverage for all forms of telehealth essential for equity, chronic-disease management in Maryland

Volunteer Shuron Abdullah, a retired registered respiratory therapist with three-decades of experience shares her advocacy around protecting telehealth, as told to April Dawn Shinske. Shuron is an American Heart Association volunteer and has been a Basic Life Support/Heartsaver instructor. 

“I’m cold. I’m cold.”

The pleading words of my late father-in-law, Pat, during in-person visits to his doctors have stayed with me, following his passing. Our preparations for his outings were always thoughtful. But at 95, no amount of bundling him up seemed to bring Pat complete comfort. Trips left him exhausted for days to follow.

Then, we began using telehealth–a Godsend–to meet Pat’s needs. Suddenly, everything became easier and more comfortable for Pat. He could remain warm resting in his bed, while we brought the phone or computer to him. Pat was able to visit with his regular doctor, and feel safe knowing he was in familiar, good hands. Especially as we worked through dementia and months of end-of-life care, telehealth became not only a better solution, it became essential to Pat’s wellbeing.

My experiences as a primary elder caregiver coupled with my three-decades as a registered respiratory therapist, community health volunteer and American Heart Association Basic Life Support and Heartsaver instructor and volunteer make me certain that telehealth is essential for our communities–most especially communities of color like my own, where adequate healthcare access is often limited.

We must act now to be sure all insurance providers cover audio-only and video telehealth options. We must support, and ask our legislators to support, bills HB123 and SB3 to protect telehealth for all. You can help by joining the American Heart Association’s You’re the Cure network and taking action, today.

There are many ways in which telehealth increases access to care. Telehealth eliminates the need for travel, especially for people who may not have access to personal transportation. For folks dealing with chronic diseases, people who rely on oxygen as an example, finding practical ways to readily access public transportation–and to afford it–may be nearly impossible. The pandemic has exacerbated these barriers to healthcare access. Telehealth by phone or computer allows people to practice prevention and chronic disease management under the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals, reducing strain on the need for emergency care during this critical moment and beyond. The elderly and those nearing end-of-life are especially positively impacted by access to telehealth.

If you need a reason to support access to audio and video telehealth, I ask you to recall my father-in-law, Pat, and the many like him. We can’t leave our most vulnerable community members in the cold when it comes to access to healthcare–telehealth brings prevention, chronic-disease management, and wellbeing to the warmth of home.

Please Join You’re the Cure to begin taking action and contacting your lawmakers today.

-Shuron Abdullah

Bowie, MD

See more from Shuron about why it is so important to protect insurance coverage for all forms of telehealth in Maryland:

Telehealth critically-important for chronic-disease management

Telehealth essential tool for eldercare

Telehealth benefits patients on oxygen

Telehealth fosters access and equity for vulnerable 

Greater Maryland Heart Walk Chair, Chambers: “You can actually save a life by participating in Heart Walk.”

The American Heart Association (AHA) is pleased to announce that Bradley S. Chambers President, MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital and MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, and Senior Vice President, MedStar Health has been named chair of the 2021 Greater Maryland Heart Walk.

“You can actually save a life by participating in Heart Walk,” said Chambers—citing the urgency of the pandemic, and the data, challenges, and outcomes amid COVID-19 that left members of our communities impacted by cardiovascular diseases and stroke particularly vulnerable.

“You can make a difference in the lives of individuals and their family members afflicted with heart disease, who are at much higher risk,” said Chambers.

Together, with corporations and community leaders throughout the Greater Maryland area, the American Heart Association aims to raise $1,650,000 through the 2021 Heart Walk Campaign. To get involved, register your team at www.greatermarylandheartwalk.org.

Bradley S. Chambers headshot
Bradley S. Chambers

Chambers said he is especially excited to lead the 2021 Heart Walk, as he sees the planned October 16, 2021 walk at Camden Yards as a chance for renewal.

“The Heart Walk fosters cardiovascular disease awareness, and this year I hope it will also be a community celebration of being able to take a walk together again,” said Chambers.

Chambers also said he feels as “president of a hospital that takes great pride in its work in cardiovascular care,” it is important for healthcare executives like him to lead by example, “energize” the cardiovascular team at MedStar Health by celebrating the work they do every day, and “rally behind” the shared chronic-disease prevention and population efforts mutually valued by MedStar Health and the American Heart Association.

“By leading the Heart Walk, you really can impact education, awareness, screening, and prevention,” said Chambers.

Chambers also has a personal connection to cardiovascular disease. He lost his mother, an uncle, and father-in-law as a result of cardiovascular complications. His leadership of the Heart Walk is close to his own family’s heart.

“I have seen the impact of cardiovascular disease on my family—multiple family members affected—some with fatal events caused by issues that were previously undetected. Detection and treatment are so important,” said Chambers.

About the Greater Maryland Heart Walk:

The Greater Maryland Heart Walk is the American Heart Association’s mission in action. This annual celebration of life promotes physical activity and heart-healthy living for the whole family. The 2021 Greater Maryland Heart Walk has a goal to raise $1,650,000 for the American Heart Association’s life-saving mission to build healthier lives free from cardiovascular diseases and stroke. The Walk is a non-competitive, two-mile or one-mile walk at Camden Yards Sports Complex and is open to both corporate and community teams as well as individuals.

In 2020, more than 3,000 digital participants in the Greater Maryland Region raised $1,420,000 in support of the American Heart Association. We reached 1.8 million people with key life-saving messages through social media.

Complete information can be found on www.greatermarylandheartwalk.org

Blakely’s Story – One Parent’s Story of fighting a Congenital Heart Defect

Melanie Withers is a Heart Mom who wants to continue to share Blakely’s story, not only to keep her story alive but to help other Heart Parents who are facing similar battles.

If you are reading this, consider yourself privileged. Privileged to even hear the story of my sweet Blakely Elizabeth. She was feisty, she was loving, she was her mother’s whole world. She is all of these things, even in her death.

During my pregnancy with Blakely, around the time of the anatomy scan we were told that a fetal echo needed to be done because there was some extra fluid around her heart that they were seeing. The echo was scheduled a week or so later. And then they wanted it repeated. At this point (and even before) I just knew deep down in my soul that something was wrong. What could possibly be wrong with my baby? All I knew at this point was that I wanted answers. After the second echo we were told by the pediatric cardiologist that Blakely’s heart was PERFECT! That was such a relief to my ears. It made the pregnancy fly by knowing that nothing at all was wrong with our baby.

Fast forward to her birthday. I went in the night before to be monitored before my scheduled c-section. I didn’t sleep any that night. Doctors and nurses were in and out. But, finally, the time came – 8 a.m. The time that she would make her grand arrival. At 8:29 am on April 27th 2016, Blakely Elizabeth Hopkins was born at Johnson City Medical Center in Johnson City, TN. Her dad was in the room and was able to hear her first cry as well! Such an exciting time, until you can feel the whole mood of the room shift. Instead of congratulating you, they are rushing around and whispering. You automatically know something is wrong. After repeatedly asking the doctors what was wrong, one of them finally responded with “We’re not sure. The NICU team is on their way to get her.” They brought her over for a few pictures before the team got there. I could see her chest rise and fall and her legs kicking around, so at that point I at least knew my daughter was alive.

Once Blakely was taken to the NICU, it was a few hours before even her dad could go and see her. Of course, they had to try and figure out what was going on, and that is all that mattered. Figuring out what in the world was happening to my perfect baby. Shortly thereafter, some doctors came to speak with us. They said they believe it to be something going on with her heart, that it could be Truncus Arteriosus, but they weren’t really for sure. They were going to consult with some other hospitals to figure it out. How could something be wrong with her heart when we were just told weeks before that Blakely’s heart was perfect? After what seemed like a lifetime, the Pediatric Cardiologist that told us that he had consulted with UVA and that Blakely had what is called Tetralogy of Fallot with Pulmonary Atresia. They would be sending her to UVA by jet once their NETS team arrived to get her. Once the doctor stepped out of the room, he took a phone call. It was UVA. My aunt was still outside of the room and heard him tell the doctors at UVA, “I missed it. I didn’t see it before but looking back I see it now.” How could he have told us that Blakely’s heart was perfect when in fact it wasn’t? At this point all that mattered was that my daughter was alive and doing fairly well. I knew she would be transported to UVA where they could hopefully give her the help she needed. We finally got to go upstairs and see Blakely. She was precious – the most beautiful baby you ever saw. Fiery red hair, perfect little fingers and toes. The NICU at JCMC doesn’t usually let underage siblings back to visit, but they made a special exception for Blakely’s sister.

The next few hours flew by. The NETS team from UVA arrived. They talked to us multiple times, trying their best to explain everything that was happening and what would happen on the flight. The flight was delayed for a few hours because of bad thunder and lightning storms. Blakely finally arrived at UVA Children’s Hospital at 3:17 a.m.

The following morning, we arrived at UVA. We had quite a drive as UVA is about 5 and ½ hours from our house. Nurses, doctors, RTs, NPs and multiple other people were coming in and out of our room the whole time. Trying to learn how to do the most basic things with our newborn was a struggle, with her finally being able to take her first bottle a victory. All of this was leading up for the big day: her surgery day. At just 8 days old, my little baby would have to undergo such a horrible but necessary surgery. The day of surgery she had her BT shunt placed by Dr. Gangemi and Dr. Roeser. It was such a long day but when Dr. Gangemi came out and told us how good she was doing, it was like the weight of the world was lifted off our shoulders. Even with it going perfect, he still said that she was the most critical patient the hospital had that night. That hospital stay was up and down as she had her really good moments and she had moments that would bring you to your knees. Even though her surgery went great, in my mind it was the worst thing that could happen to my perfect baby. But all in all, she recovered quite well.

As a couple months went by, life seemed to return to “normal” – going back to work, taking care of a newborn, trips to UVA every 3 weeks. But, we also now had the responsibility of what came with having a child with a BT shunt. Weight checks every day, weighing diapers, recording intake, and monitoring her oxygen level. At almost 5 months old, Blakely needed her second OHS, her full repair. That surgery went great as well. Dr. Gangemi, Dr. Roeser, and Dr. Stone worked nonstop for the 16 hours she was in surgery. But as with the other, this surgery went great. The few days following surgery, however, were a different story. I stayed by her side as much as I could. She had so many critical moments, mostly at night. Her lactic acid would rise, she would need more oxygen, and finally the talk of ECMO if she got any worse. Eventually, she got to the point that she could be extubated. On October 11th, 2016, at 6:21 a.m. her dad called and said that Blaklely was getting worse and they were going to have to re-intubate her. The elevator couldn’t go fast enough. The people on it with me probably wondered what in the world was going on with me.

I made it to her room in 3 minutes from the time I got the call. At that point there were so many people in her room. Dr. Joey as we called him was doing chest compressions. She was in cardiac arrest. Dr. Joey would look at her, then look at me, he kept working though. He never gave up on our girl. For 60 minutes Blakely got chest compressions. Blakely’s PICU room would soon be turned into an OR. They opened her chest again to place the ECMO cannulas. Sam Loya, RN and Dr. Dean would make trips back and forth from her PICU room to the family room we were finally taken to. They made probably 20 trips a piece while the surgery was happening, just to keep us updated. The surgery was successful, and she was placed on ECMO. A blood gas was taken at some point and her lactic acid was 28. Her kidneys took a hit during all of it and she was in kidney failure. Her brain took a huge hit because, of course, she was without oxygen for so long. In the next couple of days, she would need a PD catheter placed so she could start dialysis. She was also soon diagnosed with severe HIE. After a 4-day ECMO run she was able to be taken off without any further problems.

The next couple of months were mostly good for her. Her kidneys recovered and she was able to stop dialysis. She needed to have a trach and g-tube placed but we were okay with that. Whatever she needed, that’s what we did. She celebrated her first Halloween in the hospital. With the help of her nurse, Dana, we dressed her up as a ladybug and Dana had a friend come paint her nails. She was perfect. We got to the point that we could hold Blakely again. Just a few weeks ago we didn’t know if she was going to live, much less us be able to hold her again. On December 19th,2016, she was discharged from the hospital.

She spent Christmas at home. We learned EVERYTHING about our daughter. The good, the bad and the ugly. What to do when the “ugly” happened.  January 11th, 2017, we made our way back to UVA for appointments. Two days’ worth of appointments was what was in store for us. But on the last day, Friday, January 13th, I knew something was wrong. She was throwing up more and she was lethargic. Finally, at our last appointment the other doctors were able to see the change in her as well. The doctor called over from the Battle Building to the Hospital and the Pegasus Ground Critical Care came and got her and transported her by ambulance to the ER. Her glucose was unreadable on the machine, her oxygen wouldn’t pick up, and after two failed IO’s the PICU attending just wanted her on the PICU floor. He came down and escorted her himself with three of his nurses. It was touch and go. We heard from multiple people that they didn’t think Blakely would make it that night. But in true Blakely fashion, she didn’t go by the rulebook and made up her own. Every single time they would predict a way that things would go, it would go the opposite.

We also heard from a doctor that there was nothing else that could be done for her, that I should just put her in a long-term facility because I could not revolve my life around her. If you are reading this, NEVER say that to a parent. Never say that their life cannot be centered around their child, who probably IS their life. Needless to say, she never saw that doctor again. We got second opinions at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Boston Children’s Hospital. She had a pretty lengthy hospital stay. She was discharged on March 24th,2017 – one day before her sister’s birthday. What a present McKenna got! Blakely got to celebrate her first birthday at home. We had a huge birthday party with all her favorites. I definitely went overboard but what else was I supposed to do when this day had been threatened so many times? I gave her the birthday party she deserved.

Day-to-day life with a medically complex kid is definitely not for the weak. Blakely was on multiple medications and got medicine 19 hours of the day. She got feeds multiple times a day and night. She was on a strict schedule of being turned every 2 hours. Some days we had nurses to help, sometimes we didn’t. If I have ever been strict with anything in my life, it was the care Blakely got. I had a huge whiteboard hung beside her bed with her medicine schedule. I had another one right beside of it with what I expected. Blakely never got a bath unless one of us was there. She got a bath, trach care, trach change, lotion, her hair dried, socks on, bib placed underneath her trach so it didn’t rub, and oral care. All of this happened most days, unless we felt she needed to rest. She got PT, OT, speech, and vision therapy once a week. She got moved to her activity chair and stood in her stander every day unless we felt she needed to rest. And by me saying she needed to rest, I mean she was having an off day and I could tell she wouldn’t tolerate it.

Life with Blakely was definitely very busy. And even with all of that, I still made sure she did things for fun. She went to the beach, she loved chocolate pudding, she played on a special needs baseball team for 2 years, she went to the fair, she went to Dollywood and rode rides, she would go out to eat with us, she would go grocery shopping with us, she went to visit family in other states, watched her sister play softball and was her biggest fan. She did everything a normal toddler would do. She made trips to UVA every three months with two full days’ worth of appointments every trip. Blakely eventually got approved by insurance to go to CHOP to see Dr. O’Connor. To our surprise, her heart actually started getting better. Heart failure was almost nonexistent. Dr. O’Connor said no doctor should ever tell you nothing can be done. It may not do any good, but something can always be done he said. I will never forget those words. Between CHOP, Joy, Dr. Dean, and all her other doctors from here to there, she was actually getting better. These people were helping my daughter not only survive but THRIVE!

Every now and then Blakely would get a UTI which landed her in the Nisewonger’s Children’s Hospital, the same hospital she was born in. Usually, it would clear up with IV antibiotics. In November of 2018 it was a little more serious. She would possibly need dialysis and had to be transferred to a hospital that could do that. Our local hospital called UVA and Nisewonger’s to see if they could take her. UVA was full and Nisewonger’s didn’t do pediatric dialysis. Along with UVA, ETSU Children’s and Vanderbilt were full as well. Brenner’s Children’s in North Carolina was the only one able to take her. Once we arrived down there (in an ice storm) they were able to take a closer look at Blakely. She didn’t quite need dialysis but her kidneys were definitely not in the shape they had been. We stayed there for probably three weeks or so but eventually got discharged. Going home this time, Blakely would need to be on a catheter every 4 hours along with all of her other care. When speaking to her doctors at UVA we were able to wean down all the way to just needing a catheter every 12 hours unless voiding on her own (which she did sometimes).

The summer of 2019 was spent in the hospital with Blakely some. She had two hospitalizations in about a month and a half, and was living her best life the rest of the season. We would go watch movies in town at dusk. She loved getting to snuggle with everyone and watching Spongebob in her bed. She loved to feel the wind blowing her hair and would always give us the biggest smile. Even with severe HIE Blakely had the biggest personality. You knew when she liked something and DEFINITELY knew when she didn’t. She would hear Dennis or I come into a room and her head would automatically turn towards us.  She was working towards weaning off the vent to hopefully decannulation. She was scheduled for her Make A Wish trip in November of 2019. Everything was going perfect. On August 9th,2019, Blakely showed me signs of yet another infection. With her, signs of infection weren’t what they would normally be in another child. Her temperature would drop instead of rise. It would get as low as 92 degrees with a UTI. With her having a lower temperature and some other signs, I decided to take her to Nisewonger’s again because I just knew something was off. Call it a mother’s instinct.

We got there and got admitted once again, this trip her sister was with us. She got to see how everything goes for us and for Blakely when she gets admitted to the hospital. Once they started her on antibiotics her symptoms presented themselves a little bit more. Low blood pressure was also one of the symptoms she had once they started her on antibiotics, this was nothing new. To be honest, it was touch and go that night trying to keep her blood pressure up. The next day they decided to take her down to the OR to place a central line. Even that would be a struggle for them. She made it back up to her room and they decided to switch her over to use the new line. Seconds after the switch was made, she started to decline fast. Her blood pressure dropped, her heart rate was out of whack, and these horrible things were happening right in front of my eyes. They quickly made the switch back to the other line. Doctors, nurses, the pharmacy – everyone in the room was basically running a code. During that busy time I couldn’t help but ask if all of this was happening because of the central line? Did it fail? To my surprise the nurse that was doing everything replied with “Yes”. It took a little bit, but Blakely was holding her own with help of medicine. The rest of that day, night and the next morning I spent by Blakely’s bedside, watching numbers and kissing her sweet face, talking to her telling her that I know how strong she is and how much I loved her. Family was on their way to the hospital when Blakely started declining again. She was basically maxed out on every medication and they were going to start chest compressions.

Hold on. Previously I had stated Blakely was full code. I knew she was no longer eligible for ECMO, but they were to do everything in their power to save my daughter. I had told them to do everything unless I said otherwise. But how could I let my daughter, who had been through so much in her short three and a half years, go through more because of my selfish ways, because I wanted her here with me?

That is when I realized there was no more was to be done. I wanted my daughter in my arms so she would know in her last minutes just how loved she was. Chris, her nurse at the time, did exactly as I wanted. She gave me Blakely. I told her to unhook everything. No more ventilator, no more IV’s, no more monitors. Just a girl in her mother’s arms. At 1:37 p.m. on August 13th,2019, my sweet Blakely Elizabeth passed away in my arms. No matter what happens that will always be the worst moment of my life. She went peacefully. No suffering. You would have never known that she wasn’t doing anything but sleeping.

Having a medically complex child, especially with heart and lung issues, you spend a great deal of your time watching your child breathe. Watching their chest rise and fall. For me, there was no more of that. It was the last time I would see my child take a breath. The next little bit is a blur. I remember holding her and talking to her. I remember crying and getting physically sick. I remember doctors and nurses checking on us, I remember Childlife taking my other daughter when she got there to explain things with her. I was there, holding McKenna, but to this day I can’t remember a thing they said. I was trying to be there with her, but my heart was 5 or 6 rooms away. I remember doing the hand molds of Blakely. I remember what blankets we kept on her and what stuffed animals she had. I remember Chris being there, telling me what a good mother I was and how she knew Blakely knew how much she was loved. Family came in and out and said their goodbyes. We gave her a bath, got her dressed, tucked her in bed and laid there with her until the funeral home came.

They say that it gets easier with time. I’m telling you right now the heartbreak I felt the day she died is the same heartbreak I feel today. It is a pain you can feel inside your bones, especially knowing that you are the mother who made that decision. And that’s something that I will have to live with for the rest of my life.

I have told you all so much stuff and it’s still not even close to everything. I’m sure I left out some things. I’ve probably forgotten to include specific details. Taking care of Blakely was not easy, and I’m not even going to pretend it was. Even when she was doing good, day-to-day life was a struggle. Meds, turning, bagging her when she had difficulty breathing, emergency trach change, g-tube changes, making sure we had everything we needed when we left the house with her, and seeing to it that she had the very best care possible. Sure, I could have left her in a long-term facility when she was six months old like the doctor told me to; but, that’s not who I am as a person. My daughter is my responsibility, no matter what. When you have a baby, you think that taking care of them is going to be sunshine and dirty diapers. You don’t realize that in the blink of an eye your baby could be trached and ventilated for the rest of their life. That they will have to depend on you for every single move they make and every bite they take. You go from birthday parties with all your mom friends to having very few friends because no one really understands what it’s like. As hard as it was, I would do it all over 15 times just for one more day with Blakely. I have said for a year that people will know Blakely even in her passing. They will learn from her. They will learn her story and they will learn not to take anything for granted. I am working with the American Heart Association in getting the Kids Heart Challenge in our local schools in honor of Blakely.

 

Kids who are medically complex and have special needs (and their parents) only want one thing: to be treated normal. They want friends, they want invited to birthday parties. They want Christmas at home and any other normal thing that comes along the way. Even if they are nonverbal, say “Hi”. Talk to them as you would talk to anyone else. Get to know them. Understand that it’s difficult on their parents too, even if they are holding it together really well.

Without Joy, Dr. Dean, Morgan, Yoshi, Chris, and all the other people that played a tremendous role in Blakely’s life, I don’t think she would have lived to be three and a half. Knowing that you have people you can count on, no matter what, makes all the difference. So, if you have the chance to work with medically complex kids and their parents, consider yourself lucky. They’re the cream of the crop!

AHA expands the Faces of Heart campaign in Philadelphia with the support of generous donors Stephanie & Matthew Austin, M.D.

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 … Read more

The American Heart Association, Kaiser Permanente Team Up to Encourage the Greater Washington Region to Go Red and be Healthy for Good

The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, is excited to announce that Kaiser Permanente, has teamed up with the Greater Washington Region division to advance a shared goal to help

Ruth Williams-Brinkley, Regional President of Kaiser Permanente in the Mid-Atlantic States

community members live longer, healthier lives free of heart disease and stroke. Kaiser Permanente has joined as a three-year Healthy for Good sponsor in the Greater Washington region and a founding member of the DC Go Red for Women campaign. Together Kaiser Permanente and the AHA also will launch a series of digital conversations to provide education on critical health priorities.

As part of this sponsorship, Ruth Williams-Brinkley, regional president of Kaiser Permanente, will lead the 2021 efforts for DC Go Red, and will chair the 2022 Greater Washington Region Heart Walk. The Association also recently announced that Jill Feldon, vice president of Strategy Communication for Kaiser Permanente, will chair the 2021 Greater Washington Region Heart Walk.

“It is through powerful commitments like this that we can drive sustainable change across our region,” said Soula Antoniou, Executive Director of the American Heart Association. “Over the next three years Kaiser Permanente will help us to engage the Greater Washington community in new and profound ways that lead to improved physical health and mental well-being. Through their support of the inaugural DC Go Red for Women campaign, they are helping to ensure that all women have an opportunity for a healthy, positive future for themselves and those they care for.”

February is American Heart Month and underscores the importance of the campaign’s goal to build awareness that cardiovascular disease is the leading health threat and that people should take action to lower their risk – particularly women. As the first DC Go Red for Women campaign chair, Williams-Brinkley will lead the 2021 fundraising efforts for Go Red, which encourages women to take charge of their heart health and combat heart disease and stroke.

As regional president of Kaiser Permanente in the Mid-Atlantic States, Ruth Williams-Brinkley oversees care delivery and health plan operations in Washington, D.C., and suburban Maryland, Baltimore and Northern Virginia. The region operates 34 medical office buildings and has 770,000 members.

“I am honored to lead the inaugural DC Go Red For Women campaign and to have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the heart health of people in the communities we serve,” said Williams-Brinkley. “This mission is near and dear to my heart, as it is an extension of the important work being done at Kaiser Permanente to eliminate health care disparities and expand access to care for all in our community.”

The DC Go Red for Women campaign extends the legacy of longstanding women-focused events like An Affair of the Heart Luncheon & Fashion Show to create additional experiences to support women where they are and continues to promote the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association. An inaugural DC Go Red for Women celebration will be held later in the Spring. Plans will evolve based on CDC recommendations around gathering and the nation’s health landscape. The Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and locally sponsored by Kaiser Permanente.

To get involved and for more information, please contact Heidi.arnold@heart.org or visit DCGoRed.heart.org.  Follow along with event updates at the Facebook listing and on FacebookTwitter and Instagram use #GoRedDC.

Philadelphia Resident Named Among Top Finalists for AHA EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator™

Community activists, social entrepreneurs, and changemakers are among the list of top candidates for the 2020-21 EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator™. Included in the list of nine finalists is Philadelphia resident Kevin Dixon, who is a mentor at Rebel Ventures where he inspires high school … Read more

Thankful For Life

By Michael Capalbo On April 24, 2020 I had a massive Heart Attack. I had a one-hundred percent blockage of the Left Main Artery otherwise known as ‘The Widow Maker”. … Read more

2020 is a Year of change, But One Thing That Hasn’t Changed is How Important it is to Manage Our Health

COVID has put a spotlight on public health, along with health disparities and the chronic conditions millions and millions of people in our country live with every day. Right at … Read more

The Greater Washington Region Heart Walk Stepped to Success Through Dedication

The American Heart Association, the leading voluntary health organization focused on heart

Members of the DC Retro Jumpers take part in the Heart Walk Digital Experience

and brain health for all, embraced the new normal, taking its iconic Greater Washington Region Heart Walk, traditionally held on the National Mall, online for a digital experience. Held over the weekend of November 6-8 participants were able to complete all activities from anywhere – their homes and neighborhoods – and many shared their experience on the Heart Walk Facebook event page.

This year, the campaign saw higher participation than 2019 in spite of the challenges brought on by the pandemic. A total of 470 teams & 3,149 walkers registered from 90 contributing organizations, with a record percentage of participants raising funds. Registrants were also actively engaged in the 30-Day Step Challenge presented by Sheehy Auto Stores. Nearly one third of participants downloaded the Heart Walk app and logged 88,847,052 steps which is the equivalent of over 42,000 miles. That’s nearly two laps around the equator! The Heart Walk’s Executives with Heart campaign, comprised of local leaders who pledge to donate or raise $5,000, also broke Greater Washington region records. Over 100 people took part in the challenge, raising over $500,000. To date, the Greater Washington Heart Walk has raised $1.6 million in support of the American Heart Association.

The Walk broke yet another local record this year, with the Greater Washington Region’s first

Heart Challenge Chair, Tim Gillis from KPMG shared his #DCHeartWalk

ever $100,000 individual fundraiser, Heart Challenge Chair Tim Gillis, Managing Partner at KPMG. “I am so proud that people truly came together from all over the world to walk, give and celebrate life,” said Gillis. “The overall campaign’s success is attributed to our participants, donors and sponsors who continue to carry the torch and show up. The American Heart Association needs us more than ever and I am heartened by the dedication and generosity of so many.” Gillis shattered local records, raising over $137K himself and his company, KPMG, was the #1 fundraising organization.

Throughout the month familiar elements of the Walk were shared through social including step challenges, youth-focused activities, and the Zumba warm-up. The Opening Ceremonies was posted on Facebook to kick off the weekend and featured long-time host WUSA9’s Howard Bernstein, 2020 Heart Challenge Chair Gillis, incoming 2021 Heart Challenge Chair Jill Feldon of Kaiser Permanente, Cedric Sims of Booz Allen Hamilton, Mac Curtis of Perspecta and recording artist Tulani who performed the National Anthem. Seven people were awarded Lifestyle Change Awards presented by Kaiser Permanente for the modifications they have made to live longer, healthier lives. One honoree was host Bernstein, who has taken up bike riding and changed his eating habits.

“We are thrilled with the level of engagement and enthusiasm from our walkers, sponsors and Executive Leadership Team,” said Soula Antoniou, Executive Director of the American Heart Association. “It is truly a testament to our incredible volunteers, like Tim [Gillis], who worked tirelessly to champion our cause. I want to say thank you to everyone who took the steps in making this year’s Walk a huge success.”

The Bling It on Fitness team on their #DCHeartWalk

Funds raised by the annual campaign lead to medical breakthroughs, transform healthcare systems, support stronger public health policy, and much more. The campaign is only possible with support of our local Greater Washington Heart Walk sponsors, including KPMG, Sheehy Auto Stores, Blake Real Estate, Kaiser Permanente, Leidos, Pernix Consulting, Perspecta, Digital Realty, GEICO, Phone2Action, Booz Allen Hamilton, Korn Ferry, Novant Health and Executive Mosaic.

Donations can still be made in support of the event at www.GreaterWashingtonHeartWalk.org or text GWDCHW to 71777.

Double Your Impact Through December 31 with Harrity & Harrity LLP

Harrity & Harrity LLP to Match up to $100,000 for the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association (AHA), the world’s leading voluntary health organization

Double your impact with Harrity & Harrity LLP

devoted to a world of longer, healthier lives is excited to announce that through December 31 all donations and registration fees up to $100,000 will be doubled for its Lawyers Have Heart 10K Race, 5K Run and Walk. Made possible through the generosity of race sponsor Harrity & Harrity LLP to promote increased around Giving Tuesday, a global movement to support charities. Donations to Lawyers Have Heart benefit the Association to further its work for a world of longer, healthier lives and can help fast track research and train front-line workers.

“As a person who had his life saved by the AHA’s science, this cause is beyond important to me and my family,” said John Harrity, Harrity & Harrity LLP’s Managing Partner. “Our firm wanted to give in a big way and we hope this inspires others to do the same.  Millions of people are counting on the American Heart Association for science-based information, health resources, community programs and patient support. They need us to be generous now more than ever.”

There are many ways to take part in the matching opportunity:

  • Visit LawyersHaveHeartDC.org and make a donation in support of a world of longer, healthier lives.
  • Consider an opportunity for your  company to sponsor the event by contacting maher@heart.org.
  • Register for the 2021 race through December 31 and the fee will count as a donation that will be matched by Harrity & Harrity LLP.
  • Give through your mobile phone. Text RUNLHH to 41444.

“Planning is moving forward for a huge 2021 event and we hope to once again attract participants from around the world,” said Harrity. “There was an incredible response when we took the 2020 event to a digital experience where 3,000 participants ran and walked their courses all over the United States, England, Croatia, Spain, South Africa, Japan and more. We will definitely plan to keep a virtual component moving forward so anyone can take part from anywhere in the world.”

Harrity serves as a co-chair for the 2021 event along with his firm’s Controller Sandra Maxey and American University Washington College of Law’s Associate Dean of Student Affairs, David Jaffe. Since 1991, the event has raised over $15.6 million, in support of vital research and programming to improve health and well-being across the Greater Washington Region.

“We are so thankful to Harrity & Harrity for their tremendous support that will build excitement,” said Soula Antoniou, Executive Director, American Heart Association. “This gift helps ensure the Association’s continued work with researchers, medical experts, hospitals, community leaders, businesses, families and more to improve health and well-being for all and to reduce the impact of the coronavirus.”

To learn more about the race and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.LawyersHaveHeartDC.org or email stephanie.maher@heart.org. Read more about John Harrity’s story of survival here. Follow the American Heart Association on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.   Engage online through the Lawyers Have Heart Facebook listing and use #RUNLHH.

 

Breaking News: First-of-Its-Kind Kids’ Meal Bill Passes in Prince George’s Co.

Kids in Prince George’s County, Maryland are about to get healthier meals and drinks when they order from kids’ meals menus in the county.kids menu

On the afternoon of November 17, 2020, the Prince George’s County Council unanimously approved legislation that will make it easier for families and their children to choose healthier food and drink options when ordering from kids’ menus at county restaurants. The Prince George’s County Healthy Kids’ Meals Bill (CB-071) now awaits a signature from County Executive Angela Alsobrooks to be enacted into law.

“Policies like this can help improve outcomes and increase the opportunity to live a longer, healthier life,” said Dr. Federico Asch, president of the board of directors for the American Heart Association, Greater Washington Region and a cardiologist at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. “By passing this comprehensive bill, Prince George’s County is a national leader in promoting equitable health policy.”

The legislation is the first of its kind in the country to include healthier comprehensive options for both food and drinks on children’s menu items. It will make water, milk and 100% fruit or vegetable juice the default beverage options for all kids’ meals served at Prince George’s County restaurants. It will also ensure the food options in kids’ meals promote health by designating limits on calories, sugar, salt and fat for items on their kids’ menus. Families would still be able to order other beverage and food items upon request.

“The majority of kids’ menu items are purchased for children under the age of 12, a critical time in a child’s development of taste preferences,” said Shawn McIntosh, the executive director of Sugar Free Kids Maryland. “This bill passage helps make the healthy option the easy choice. Our goal at Sugar Free Kids Maryland is simple – we want all kids to live long, healthy, productive lives.”

Councilmember Sydney J. Harrison sponsored the legislation, which was supported by a diverse coalition led by Sugar Free Kids Maryland, the Prince George’s Food Equity Council, the American Heart Association and Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI). Voices for Healthy Kids provided some of the much-needed funding and technical assistance to make this a policy success.

“Together, we’ve scored a win for the community, created a model for other cities and states, and signaled to the restaurant industry that it’s time to stop pushing soda and unhealthy meals on little kids,” said CSPI policy associate Sara Ribakove.

Follow this developing story online by using the hashtag #HealthyKidsPGC.

(Article reprinted from Voices for Healthy Kids and Sugar Free Kids MD)

AHA President: The best way forward requires bridging disciplines, people, places

The challenges facing our world are many – from timely concerns such as the coronavirus pandemic and the renewed emphasis it has placed on the need to dismantle structural racism … Read more

Young at Heart Free Digital Event Features CT’s Geno Auriemma

The American Heart Association will host its first Young at Heart event on Thursday, November 5 at 5pm to raise awareness and fund research and educational initiatives. Originally planned as an in-person event, the free digital experience will include inspiring speakers, an Open Your Heart appeal, and cooking demonstration by celebrity Chef Richard Blais. The keynote speaker for the evening is Basketball Hall of Famer, Geno Auriemma, Head Coach of the UCONN Women’s Basketball team.

The Young at Heart event hosted by Kara Sundlun of WFSB will focus on prevention and lifestyle which is key to reducing risks for heart disease and stroke. Dr. Supriya Tigadi, assistant professor at the Calhoun Cardiology Center at UCONN Health will discuss how eating well and being physically active can make an impact on health at any age. Survivor speaker, Andrew Jones of Farmington will share his story as a heart transplant recipient at the age of 22 and its impact on his life as a competitive body builder.

The highlight of the event will be a keynote address given by Geno Auriemma. Auriemma will give insight to his life as a young boy coming to American with his family and how his experiences during that time shaped him to who he is today. He also shares his views on how to navigate the pandemic and be resilient through this time.

Rounding out the event will be a cooking demonstration by Chef Richard Blais. Richard Blais is a chef, television personality, restaurateur, and author. He appeared on the reality cooking show Top Chef and is known for his take on classic American cuisine. Richard was the runner-up for the fourth season of Top Chef and returned several seasons later to win Top Chef: All-Stars. Chef Blais will prepare Huevos Rancheros.

Through the support of sponsors and attendees, over $70,000 will be raised to fund education and research while making an impact on Greater Hartford’s health and well-being.

Serving as co-chairs are Ed Kindelan and Melissa Ferrucci of CohnReznick. The co-chairs will call on area volunteers, survivors and business leaders to join the fight against stroke to help increase awareness and prevention of strokes, and reduce stroke-related disability and death.

To register for the event go to http://hartfordheartball.heart.org. The event is free!

Listening to Our Community to Advance Equitable Health for All

“It is critical” – said Kofi Essel, from Children’s National Hospital when talking about food

The American Heart Association convened a virtual listening session with critical community partners.

access.

“We need to reevaluate how we’re creating solutions” – said Kristy McCarron from the Metropolitan YMCA when talking about food security as well.

“We need to collaborate with other community organizations to make a change” – said Domonique Panton, from the Children’s National Health System when also talking about this topic.

These were some of the comments that we heard during the first of several focus group with key stakeholders to evaluate and receive feedback in order to create a 2020 Community health assessment. This assessment will serve to provide information about the community and what different stakeholders feel like are areas the organization should focus on. By providing that information, the American Heart Association will be able to focus their activities and efforts based on what the community thinks is important.

The American Heart Association cares about the community and wants to shape programming designed to improve the health and wellbeing of all members of the Greater Washington Region community. In September, the Association convened a community partners via Zoom to listen to input about different health priorities like tobacco cessation, food access, chronic disease prevention, women’s health and more. The first meeting was comprised of members from the FLiP initiative, which stands for Family Lifestyle Program, a DC-focused, clinical-community initiative that connects families to nutrition, physical activity, and community resources to support and maintain their health and wellbeing.  FLiP members represent a variety of organizations including Children’s National Health System, the Metropolitan YMCA, the Nationals Baseball Academy, and the American Heart Association. The foundation of all the member organizations core mission is the critical need to sustainable health for our community.

Valuable insight was shared that will help to shape priorities and create the action plan around programming for the American Heart Association in the Greater Washington Region. The group created a productive environment where participants felt able to share their opinions and observations about the health equity work, and how the American Heart Association can continue to serve the community.

This focus group was one of several online meetings to be held to gather information from a variety of stakeholders. We look forward to our future listening sessions to gain a greater understanding of the real barriers people across the DC metro region face that prevents them from achieving better health and wellbeing.

If you are interested, in learning more about joining a virtual stakeholder feedback session to learn about our overall priorities and share your insights on where we should focus our efforts, locally, to have the greatest impact please contact Erica McIntyre at erica.mcintyre@heart.org.  We see these discussions as a first step towards a new period of collaboration and an opportunity.

Contributed by: Jeffrey Fraatz, Health Strategies Intern, American Heart Association

Little Hearts Get a Big Treat During Little Heart Hero Day Event

National “Authorstrator” Ben Clanton brings Narwhal and Jelly to Connecticut kids

The American Heart Association’s eighth annual Little Heart Hero Day sponsored by ConnectiCare was scheduled to take place at Lyman Orchards in Middlefield during peak apple season in September 2020. As in the past, children with congenital heart defects would spend time playing games, painting pumpkins, taking hayrides, and enjoying healthy snacks while parents would spend time networking and enjoying time with their families. But of course, that was not meant to be with recent events.

The AHA knew they could not let the kids down.

“We had to do something great for these little heart warriors who look forward to coming to our annual event,” said Debbie Bender, American Heart Association Director. “We knew we wanted to do something interactive that the kids would enjoy over a Zoom call. When we came up with the plan, we had no idea if we could make it happen. To our surprise, it all came together!”

Nationally known author and illustrator, Ben Clanton was contacted and asked if he would be on a call with the CHD kids to show them how he draws his characters. Clanton, who lives in Seattle, Washington agreed whole heartedly offering his time to share his journey as an author and his talent as an illustration with the kids and their families. Clanton, most famous for his Narwhal and Jelly series, has also written and illustration other books including, Rot: The Bravest in the World, Boo Who? and Mo’s Mustache, to name a few.

The event was hosted by local congenital heart disease survivor, 16-year-old Olivia Belfonti who welcomed the guests and emceed the event.

The first guest, Dr. Seth Lapuk of Connecticut Children’s in Hartford shared educational messages around staying safe and healthy at home and at school during COVID-19. The tips included washing your hands frequently, wearing masks at school, staying socially distant while staying active as much as possible.

Next, the children heard from Ben Clanton who shared stories of his childhood and the difficulties he overcame learning to read. This led to his inspiration to become a children’s author. He then spent time drawing a unique character with suggestions from the “audience”. Asked to name a few animals to create a new character, the chat box sprung full of ideas which led to combing a unicorn, chicken and pig creating a “Unichig!”

Rounding out the event was a special message from pediatric cardiologist, Dr. Robert Elder of Yale New Haven Health. Dr. Elder reminded participants that staying emotionally healthy is just as important as staying physically healthy for your heart. He encouraged everyone to take time to destress, take deep breaths and encouraged the kids to keep smiling and have fun.

Although the event did not take place as usual, everyone who participated received a great treat, meeting one of their favorite authors one-on-one…3,000 miles away.

 

Lawrence + Memorial Hospital President Supporting Eeastern CT Heart Walk

The American Heart Association (AHA), the largest voluntary health organization fighting heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases, announces Patrick L. Green, president and CEO, Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, as chair of the 2020 Eastern Connecticut Heart Walk. The Eastern CT Heart Walk will be a digital experience taking place on Saturday, October 17.

 As chair, Patrick Green will lead the organizational and recruitment efforts in Eastern Connecticut. He will call on thousands of area volunteers, survivors, walkers, and business leaders to step up to reduce disability and death from cardiovascular disease and stroke, the leading cause of death in the United States. The heart walk is slated to raise $300,000.

“I am extremely honored and excited to be named the chair of the 2020 American Heart Association Walk,” said Patrick Green, president and CEO of Lawrence +Memorial (L+M) Hospital. “My role with L+M as part of Yale New Haven Health, is to improve the health of the communities we serve, which is why I am excited to be the new chair of the Heart Walk. One of my goals will be to increase participation by the engaging our staff, physicians and the community. In addition, I hope to support the AHA’s mission to raise awareness of heart disease and heart health – it is the responsibility of every one of us to become more educated and more aware, not just of our own heart health but of those we love.”

The Heart Walk encourages people to incorporate walking into their lifestyle while benefiting the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association by supporting research and education. The walk also raises awareness of the nation’s two leading causes of death – heart disease and stroke. This year the Eastern Connecticut Heart Walk is a digital experience which will include a 4-week Step Challenge and a week of interactive educational events beginning October 12th and culminating with a “walk where you are” event on October 17th.

The funds raised from the Eastern Connecticut Heart Walk will go towards research, advocacy, CPR training and to promote better health. Visit heart.org to learn more.

For more information about registering for the Eastern Connecticut Heart Walk visit www.easternctheartwalk.org. For more information about sponsorship opportunities call Todd Munn at 203-303-3365

The American Heart Association and Yale New Haven Health respond to alarming drop in 9-1-1 calls fueled by COVID-19 fears

New campaign, Don’t Die of Doubt™, emphasizes symptoms of heart attack and stroke, need to access care by calling 9-1-1 even during pandemic

Throughout the pandemic, patients have been hesitant to visit the Emergency Room for medical care. Yet, heart attacks and strokes haven’t stopped for COVID-19. Yale New Haven Hospital’s Heart and Vascular program saw a drop in patients coming to the Emergency Department for treatment of stroke and heart attack. To combat this alarming trend, the American Heart Association (AHA), the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all created a new public awareness campaign called, “Don’t Die of Doubt,” that urges people to call 9-1-1 and seek emergency medical care at the hospital if experiencing symptoms of a heart attack or a stroke. Yale New Haven Health Heart and Vascular is proud to be a part of the AHA campaign.

The campaign emphasizes that the best chance to survive an acute event, like a heart attack or stroke, is to call 9-1-1 and get an ambulance to the hospital where they are fully prepared to treat you safely. Hospitals are still the safest place to be during a medical emergency.

With news coverage of coronavirus cases still fueling fear of using emergency medical services, there is a critical need to reach everyone across the country with reassurance. People can receive safe care for heart attack or stroke symptoms, and other urgent medical needs, in hospitals.

When it comes to surviving a heart attack or a stroke, seconds count, and so doubting symptoms, and thereby delaying care, may prove deadly.

“Heart attack and stroke symptoms are always urgent. The AHA campaign is geared toward minimizing hesitation to call 9-1-1 in an emergency,“ said Francine LoRusso, MHA, RN, VP and executive director for Heart and Vascular Services, Transplantation Center and Medicine, Yale New Haven Hospital. “Our physicians and nurses know what to do even when things seem chaotic. At all of our facilities, including the Emergency Departments, we have increased efforts to keep our patients, visitors and healthcare professionals safe. These include screening, testing, cleaning, designated patient care areas and social distancing.”

Yale New Haven Health’s support of the American Heart Association’s mission will continue after the Don’t Die of Doubt campaign, with more events, also representative of the Yale New Haven Health Heart and Vascular Center, being planned for over the next 12 months.

For more about this campaign and community resources, visit www.heart.org/dontdieofdoubt.

Additional Resources:

The Association receives funding primarily from individuals. Foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific association programs and events. The Association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the science content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and device corporations and health insurance providers are available at https://www.heart.org/en/about-us/aha-financial-information.

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

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Lawyers Have Heart 10K Race, 5K Run and Walk Announce Dream Team of Volunteer Leaders

The American Heart Association (AHA), the world’s leading voluntary health organization devoted to a world of longer, healthier lives is proud to announce its volunteer leadership for the 2021 Lawyers Have Heart 10K Race, 5K Run and Walk.  Since 1991, the event has raised over $15.6 million, in support of vital research and programming to improve health and well-being across the Greater Washington Region.

Sandy Maxey, Controller, Harrity & Harrity LLP

Stepping up again are last year’s Co-Chairs Harrity & Harrity LLP’s Managing Partner John Harrity and Controller Sandra Maxey. They will be joined by American University Washington College of Law’s Associate Dean of Student Affairs, David Jaffe.

“I am thrilled to help lead this year’s event. As a runner and
supporter of the work of the American Heart Association, this race is of tremendous significance to me,” said Jaffe. “The funds raised by this event are needed, now, more than ever.  Millions of people are counting on the AHA for science-based information, health resources, community programs and patient support. So it is up to Sandy, John, the Executive Leadership Team, the AHA team and me to host the biggest Lawyers Have Heart yet in 2021!”

David Jaffe, Associate Dean of Student Affairs, American University Washington College of Law

Lawyers Have Heart began in 1991 as a running and walking event for the legal community and has evolved into a staple on DC’s running calendar attracting runners and walkers of all levels of experience and from all walks of life. This event annually attracts over 6500 runners and walkers to participate on a challenging course through the District.

2020 marked the 30th Anniversary of Lawyers Have Heart and presented unprecedented challenges due to COVID-19. With health and safety of participants, volunteers, donors, and staff as the top priority, the decision was made to mark the 30th Anniversary as a reimagined virtual run and walk with 30 days of challenges leading up to race weekend.

Through the dedication of the event’s Executive Leadership Team, Team Captains and the running community at large, this past year knew no boundaries and encouraged runners and walkers from all over the world to join the fun. Over 3,000 participants ran and walked their courses all over the United States, England, Croatia, Spain, South Africa, Japan, Turkey, Chile and more. Hosted on the event’s Facebook page an