The 2015 Living for Zachary HeatBeats Gala

The HeartBeats Gala is a two-day annual event in Dallas, TX held during February, American Heart Month. Proceeds from the HeartBeats Gala benefits Living for Zachary (L4Z) whose mission is to raise awareness of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in youth. In three short years, the HeartBeats Gala has attracted more than 2,500 attendees, 50 corporate/private sponsors and has raised more than $1 million.

The first event is the Education Forum which is a free event offered to the general public to learn more about their heart health. Each year the Education Forum offers free Living for Zachary Heart Screenings for youth ages 12-22 – includes an echocardiogram, electrocardiogram and blood pressure check, free health tests to determine your personal health numbers, free medical advice from a board of nationally-recognized physicians, CPR and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) awareness demonstrations, booths hosted by world-renowned medical manufacturers and wellness companies and heart healthy cooking presentation and tasting with free food and drinks.

In 2013, Living for Zachary received a proclamation from the Dallas Mayor, Michael Rawlings, stating that Friday, February 15, 2013 is ‘Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Day’.
 
The second event is the HeartBeats Gala which is a black tie affair offering cocktails, fine dining, live and silent auction, and live music.  In 2013, a wine pull was added to the night’s events to provide attendees the opportunity to purchase fine wines donated from the cellars of top wine connoisseurs. Every year, the HeartBeats Gala hosts approximately 1,000 business and community leaders, physicians and members of the medical community and strong L4Z supporters.

Stephanie Dempsey - a Southern Pioneer for the Heart

Stephanie Dempsey was a Volunteer for the American Heart Association and an advocate for heart screening died at 44. She was from Blairsville, Georgia who in July of 2014 testified before the Senate Finance Committee about her story regarding her fight with heart disease and her family's struggles.

According the American Heart Association, Dempsey was diagnosed with a hereditary coronary artery disease at the young age of 21. She had quadruple bypass surgery at 30, and later had another bypass and dealt with other health issues.

Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association quoted saying: "Her devotion to our cause, while battling her own illness, is a testament to the kind of person she was. Her legacy will continue as we continue seeking ways to help and improve the lives of everyone afflicted by heart disease.”

Stephanie Dempsey died Dec. 15, at her home in Blairsville, Georgia at a very young age. Her words will continue to ring for the American Heart Association and all that she stood for. 

 

 

#Life is Why - at Living for Zachary

Are you wondering what all the talk is about #LifeisWhy ? The American Heart Association has created a heart campaign to help people share their stories of why they want to live and choose life. This heart disease awareness campaign has taken off as survivors tell why they are thankful to live and share their stories of Heart Disease and other share their "reason why" they choose life and healthier lifestyles.

To see stories of #lifeisWhy - click here to be directed to a whole list of stories and sharing of others.
The American Heart Association says "We want more people to experience life's precious moments".

For more video's on #LifeisWhy - visit the American Heart Association, Life is Why Youtube here.

What is your WHY to live and be healthy?

American Heart Association, Life is Why

We want people to experience more of life's precious moments.

It's why we've made better heart and brain health our mission. And until there's a world free of heart disease and stroke, we'll be here, working to make a healthier, longer life possible for everyone.
Why? Life is why.
- See more at: http://lifeiswhy.org/#sthash.DP10jNsV.dpuf

We want people to experience more of life's precious moments.

It's why we've made better heart and brain health our mission. And until there's a world free of heart disease and stroke, we'll be here, working to make a healthier, longer life possible for everyone.
Why? Life is why.
- See more at: http://lifeiswhy.org/#sthash.DP10jNsV.dpuf

We want people to experience more of life's precious moments.

It's why we've made better heart and brain health our mission. And until there's a world free of heart disease and stroke, we'll be here, working to make a healthier, longer life possible for everyone.
Why? Life is why.
- See more at: http://lifeiswhy.org/#sthash.DP10jNsV.dpuf

We want people to experience more of life's precious moments.

It's why we've made better heart and brain health our mission. And until there's a world free of heart disease and stroke, we'll be here, working to make a healthier, longer life possible for everyone.
Why? Life is why.
- See more at: http://lifeiswhy.org/#sthash.DP10jNsV.dpuf

Heart Disease and Women

Often times we think of heart attacks being being more predominant in Men than Women, however - not true. Heart Disease IS the Number 1 killer in women. Hard to believe? It's true.

Here are some known facts about heart disease and women:

• Men have different symptoms of heart disease than women
• Heart disease IS the # 1 killer in women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year. That is one loved one every three minutes
• A greater % of women die within 1 year of a heart than men
• The death rate of African-American women due to cardiovascular disease is greater than white women. 

Many medical physicians even look at some women in the Emergency Room and figure that it has to be something different than a heart issue. There simply is not enough information available regarding women and heart disease. All in all, you must know your risk factors if you are a female. You could have a heart defect that you don't even know about. If you are like most women and try to be "superwoman"- that can put you at risk as well.

Know your facts and take the  Heart Health Study - only takes a minute!