“Why didn’t I hire a moving company?” the woman wondered as she woke to excruciating pain in her back, arms and chest. The day before, the 64-year-old had boxed up the last of her belongings, stuffed them in her car and made countless trips across town as she downsized her empty nest. Dismissing her discomfort, she rose to waves of nausea and lightheadedness only to wake in a hospital bed; she’d suffered a heart attack.
Every year, nearly 1 million Americans die from cardiovascular disease. That’s one every 33 seconds. These frightening statistics are ones the American Heart Association (AHA) hopes to change with education, awareness, research and public policy — priorities that need growing support.
An opportunity for support is scheduled Feb. 8 at the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center: the 2014 Gainesville Heart Ball, hosted by the AHA’s Alachua County division. The annual event raises money to fight heart disease and stroke, as well as recognizes an area physician for notable work in the field of cardiology. This year, the ball will honor Marian Limacher, M.D., a professor of cardiovascular research at the UF College of Medicine endowed by the American Heart Association.
Ed Jimenez, chief operating officer and senior vice president of UF Health, said Limacher is being honored in part for her dedication to research and clinical care, as well as her commitment to the Gainesville, Fla., community. At UF Health, Limacher investigates the roles of hormone therapy, diet and the use of calcium and vitamin D supplements on heart disease and debilitating health problems in postmenopausal women.
“She is a leader in the field. Her research has been instrumental in helping understand and ultimately prevent health issues in women over 50, including heart disease. This resonates with me in particular as my mother battled heart disease and illness for more than 40 years,” said Jimenez. “I’ve witnessed how Limacher and her family are engaged in our community; it’s her commitment to cardiovascular care and research, and her deep involvement that embody the true spirit of our local AHA.”
Each year, the Heart Ball and the Alachua County Heart Walk raise more than $450,000, yet the area benefits from over $2.6 million in active research grants awarded by the AHA to UF. This amount comprises more than 38 percent of the AHA’s research grant funding in the entire state.
“Heart disease claims too many lives, touches so many families. By raising funds for research and education, we can make a difference,” Jimenez said.
The co-chairs of the event, Ed Jimenez and his wife, Jennifer, are committed to the community value and impact of the AHA. This year’s Heart Ball theme is “White-Out” heart disease (designed by Keith Watson Events), and guests are invited to dress in white formal attire and enjoy dinner, dancing and bidding on silent auction items.
Those interested in an individual or corporate sponsorship should contact [email protected] or call 1-800-257-6941 x8024. Donations to the “Open Your Heart” campaign can also be made online at http://gainesvilleflheartball.heart.org.