What happens when you bring together women who have heart disease and arm them with information and skills to talk to others about their disease? And wait, how about if you add time for them to talk with physicians one-on-one and opportunities to bond with each other?
You end up with a group of incredibly empowered and passionate women from across the country that is ready and eager to take on heart disease, to go back into communities to teach and support other women.
That’s what happened over the past few days at WomenHeart’s 2011 Science & Leadership Symposium at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease is the only patient-centered organization supporting the 42 million American women living with or at risk for heart disease.
This year’s symposium – the 10-year anniversary – brought together 46 women who became WomenHeart Champions; they join 522 former symposium graduates. Over the years, at each symposium, many of the women say the same thing: After they had their heart attack or surgery, there was no support specifically for them. They felt alone.
The goal of the symposium – and of WomenHeart and Mayo Clinic – is to change that. This year’s symposium took on a different goal: Bring women together who were specifically ready to begin support groups back in their communities and give them the tools to do it.
With 10 years under its belt, it is a particular year of celebration. Hear what Dr. Sharonne Hayes, Mayo Clinic cardiologist and the symposium medical director, says to WomenHeart Champions across the country and what she has learned from them:
Hear what Lisa M. Tate, Chief Executive Officer, WomenHeart, says the WomenHeart Champions have accomplished and why this year’s focus is so important:
Wow! This is fabulous coverage of a fabulous and life-altering event. Both video clips lend an insider’s perspective that’s so valuable. I’m putting a link to this on my blog.
Thanks once again for everything you do to support women’s heart health!
Cheers,
Carolyn Thomas
(class of 2008)
How proud am I to be part of this movement to educate and to save lives. My own was life was transformed when I joined WomenHeart. I now see myself as a strong, proactive and savvy woman, no longer a survivor of a disease, but, a champion for living a full and useful life.
I am so proud to be part of WomenHeart organization and coordinator of the first support group in Spanish in Miami Fla.
Congratulation on the ten anniversary let’s keep saving lives and supporting women with heart desease or at risk.
Love
Mildred C. Rodriguez
Support Network Coodinator
WomenHeart of Miami Español.
( Class 2008 )
WOW!! This is an answer to my prayers. 10 years later, WomenHeart continues to promote advocacy by spreading the “Heart Truth”. I am a 20 year heart attack survivor and a pioneer(1996) member of WomenHeart. I am proud to have been a 2002 graduate from WomenHeart’s 2002 Science and Leadership Symposium. Our Scientific Advisory Board was Chaired by Dr. Sharrone Hayes and her knowlegeable board of professionals. Thank you Dr. Hayes for your 10+ years of dedication to making a difference in the lives of millions of women, especially the 500 women who have graduated from Mayo. In October 2002,our class stepped out on faith, travelled to Rochester, Minnesota, attended the Mayo Symposium(4 long days) and learned everything that our brains and heart could retain. We then brought all of the knowlege and tools back to our individual communities. What an impact we made in our communities back then in 2002, and I am amazed at the progress that has come forth 10 years later. Congratulations on this 10 year milestone and continued success as we continue to make a difference and change the lives of women living with heart disease forever.
With Heartfelt Love,
Paula Upshaw
Yale Heart Study Congratulations to all 46 of the Women Heart Champions Class of 2011! Thank you for the work you do! Would you please allow me to suggest that women (and men) who have had heart attacks complete the anonymous 30-60 minute NIH-funded Yale Heart Study http://heartstudy.yale.edu/hacs/ whose sole mission is to get people with heart attack symptoms to the hospital sooner–saving lives and quality of lives. We have book marks, posters, and certificates of service available–ask for them at http://www.facebook.com/YaleHeartStudy And thanks so much again.
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The symposium was an unbelievable experience. It’s difficult to put into words. After a heart attack 2 1/2 years ago, I finally didn’t feel isolated, alone. I didn’t have to be strong for my family, my job, my doctors. What a fabulous thing WH has put together! I look forward to many happy years partnering with WH.