Fundraiser for WMCHealth’s Heart and Vascular Institute draws more than 400
VALHALLA, NY (February, 24 2023) – Girls’ Night Out, a heartwarming evening featuring tributes to heart disease survivors and their caregivers, was held Feb. 9 at the Westchester Marriott in Tarrytown. WCBS-TV news anchor Mary Calvi emceed the event with proceeds benefiting the WMCHealth Heart & Vascular Institute, which offers comprehensive cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery and vascular surgery services to patients of all ages, as well as a heart disease prevention program. A sellout crowd of over 400 attended.
The evening included dining, dancing and a fashion show featuring healthcare providers and patients modeling fashions from Macy’s at Cross County Shopping Center in Yonkers, the event’s main sponsor. Other sponsors included Boston Children’s Health Physicians; Compass One; Garfunkel Wild, Heidell, Pittone, Murphy & Bach LLP; Martin Clearwater & Bell LLP; New York Medical College; The Premier Collection; ShopRite; TD Bank; Tompkins Bank; Unitex; Vizient; Vigorito, Barker, Patterson, Nichols & Porter, LLP and Wilson Elser.
February is Heart Health Awareness Month. Heart disease is still the number one killer of women in the United States, accounting for about one in every five female deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Julio Panza, MD, Director of the Department of Cardiology at Westchester Medical Center, said that the heart’s function affects many systems of the body. “Because there is truly a connection between our hearts and so many other systems in our bodies, interdisciplinary collaboration between all of our clinical specialists is so important,’ he said. “Our work to change and save lives is truly a collaboration that delivers miracles every day.’’
Gabbie Fried, RN, Vice President of Cardiovascular Services with the Heart & Vascular Institute said heart health awareness and prevention effort are key in reducing heart disease risks.
“Our new Cardiovascular Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Program works to prevent coronary disease and save lives,’ she said. “Through education and screening and by developing a personal plan for exercise and healthy eating the prevention team works to head off potential heart problems.’’