Go Red Luncheon

The Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront was a sea of red with a sold out crowd of 450 ladies and gentlemen sporting red – dresses, suits, ties, scarves, boas, even socks. It was all because the American Heart Association (AHA) was having their annual luncheon to promote and raise dollars for heart research and related areas. When you hear that one woman’s life ends every 80 seconds due to heart conditions, it makes you think.

The day began with a Health Expo, which included blood pressure screenings, heart health education, nutrition information, and much more. There were also CPR experts there to show us how to do it. My favorite was the tiny taste of cabernet sauvignon paired with a small piece of dark chocolate. “I’ll drink to that.”

Board president Dr. Taylor Holve told us, “Eighty percent of cardiac events can be prevented. The good news is that there has been a 30% decline in deaths in women with cardiovascular disease, but it remains under-detected and under-treated in women.” Go Red encourages women to get heart checks just like mammograms. That would include checking blood pressure, cholesterol level, blood sugar, and body mass index.

Co-chairs Karen Chakel and Steve Golis added, “There is a misconception that it’s a man’s disease or you’re too young to have heart disease.” That is a myth. They wanted to thank their fabulous committee: Justin Anderson, Christina Chackel, Madison Chackel, Mary Cochrane, David Edelman, Jill Fonte, Joanne Funari, Janet Garufis, Teri Gauthier, Chahla Ghomai, Jonathan P. Johnen, Brianna Johnson, Dianne Johnson, Linda Le Brock, George Leis, Julie McGovern, Catherine Remak (emcee), Susan Rodriguez, Sarah Sinclair, Joe Stubbins, Janice Takeda, Tony Vallejo, Beth Vos,and Lori Zahn.

Twolocal heart transplant survivors Thomas Johansen and Marsha Griggs (also a cardiac nurse) spoke of their lifesaving experiences. As Thomas said, “My new heart is definitely working. I never dreamed I would need a heart.” Marsha declared, “I’m alive because of research.” Sadly, there are never enough donor organs and every day people die waiting for one.

There were six cardiac nurses honored by their peers and AHA: Marsha Griggs, Samantha Yim, Zaida Pascual, Sharon Morley, Gary Tartar,and Sue Weingartner. Kudos to the Circle of Red and Red Tie Society members who pledge a significant amount each year to the Heart Association. For joining information, call 805.979.5293 and speak with Angela Miller–Bevan. As they say, “Let’s unite to prevent heart disease and stroke!”