Download the Microsoft Tag and We’Ll Consider Them for the Magazine

Fall 2014

Magazine Giant Creative Strategy Giant Creative Output @ 100% Bleed: 8.75"w x 11.25"h Trim: 8.25”w x 10.75”h 7.375"w Live: x 10"h Colors: 4CP + Colors: GILPT11284 PRINT WINTER HB PATIENT AD

Speak from the NOT live/trim_DO PRINT heart about your angina

“Tell your cardiologist exactly how you’re feeling. Don’t hold anything back.” Donnette, angina patient

If you have been limiting your work or your activities because of your chronic angina, be sure to talk about it with your cardiologist.

Your cardiologist is listening

www.SpeakFromTheHeart.com

Tips, information, and more from real angina patients Donnette, Ralph, and Claudia.

Claudia, angina patient

Speak From the Heart is a trademark, and the Speak From the Heart logo Ralph, angina patient is a registered trademark, of Gilead Sciences, Inc. © 2011 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. UN7951 1/11

D19528_1a_Donette.indd 11.04.2013 A17041x01G_300ucr_RBlk.tif 133 linescreen B19528x01A_3u.tif jn B19528x02A_3u.tif Dedicated to inspiring hope in heart disease patients and their families.

Mission: Inspiring hope and improving the quality of life for heart patients and their families through ongoing peer-to-peer support

THE MENDED HEARTS, INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2013-2015 President Gus Littlefield Executive Vice President Donnette Smith Vice President Lynn Berringer Treasurer Dale Briggs Mended Little Hearts Vice President Andrea Baer Fall 2014 Regional Directors Central Jana Stewart Mid-Atlantic Gerald Kemp Midwest Cathy Byington Northeast Margaret Elbert Rocky Mountain Randy Gay Southern Fredonia Williams Southwest Millie Henn Western Patrick Farrant

Immediate Past President Raul Fernandes Past Presidents’ Council Charles Christmas Mended Little Hearts Director Megan Setzer

Staff Executive Director Michele Packard-Milam, CAE Field Services Director Marcia Baker Director of Operations Janette Edwards Mended Little Hearts Director Jodi Lemacks Program Director Jessica Deering Marketing Manager Ellen Regan Member Database Coordinator Michael Dealey Field Services Coordinator Mandy Sandkuhler Bookkeeper Sheila Todd Corporate Development Assistant Tierney Wright

Heartbeat, the national magazine of The Mended Hearts, Inc., a nonprofit organization, is published quarterly by The Mended Hearts, Inc.; Editor, Sam Gaines; Art Director, Jan McLean. Features Departments Letters of inquiry and publication are encouraged. Materials should be sent to Heartbeat, The Mended Heart to Heart 5 Hearts, Inc., 8150 N. Central Expressway, M2248, Dallas, 62nd Annual Education Texas 75206, 1-888-432-7899. The publishers and editors of Heartbeat cannot assume responsibility or News from National 6 liability for the return of unsolicited photography, artwork & Training Conference 10 or written materials. Heart Hero 7 For subscriptions to Heartbeat, see the registration form It was a fun and informative event in in the center of the magazine. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the permission of The Indianapolis. Taking the Stress Out Mended Hearts, Inc. ©2014. of Caregiving 8 Mended Hearts, Inc. assumes no responsibility for claims arising in connection with products or services Sharing and Caring at MLH’s nor endorses any products or services advertised Regional Update 16 in Heartbeat. Leadership Training 20 MLH Groups on the Move 18 A first-ever CHD Symposium was a big part of Et cetera... the experience for presenters and Mended Little Exercise vs. Stress 24 Hearts volunteers alike. Historical Hearts 25 We’d love to hear from you ... about This is called a QR code or tag. It’s an easy Heartbeat or anything else having to do with way to jump from Heartbeat to the Mended National Day of Giving 26 Mended Hearts or Mended Little Hearts. Send Hearts website using your smart phone. To Gifts 28 your thoughts to [email protected] use the tag, go to gettag.mobi with your smart phone and download the Microsoft Tag and we’ll consider them for the magazine. Med Flight 1 30 Getthe free mobile appat Reader software. Then scan or snap a photo http://gettag.mobi of the QR code you see here. It’ll take your Visit us online: smart phone’s browser directly to the Mended Hearts website. This issue of Heartbeat magazine www.mendedhearts.org is made possible by support from www.mendedlittlehearts.org Gilead Sciences Inc.

“It’s great to be alive … and to help others!”

Fall 2014 3 Mended Hearts — Eight Regions Mended Hearts is the oldest cardiac peer-to-peer support organization in the United States. We have 300 chapters and satellites in nearly every state. Our community-based organization is built AK upon the principles of service, charity and partnership. To find out more about our services and to locate a chapter near you, reach out to one of our Regional Directors listed below or go online at mendedhearts.org:

WA VT MT ND ME NH OR MN ID MA SD WI NY WY RI MI CT IA PA NV NE NJ OH DE UT IL IN CA WV MD CO KS MO VA KY WASHINGTON, DC NC TN HI AZ OK NM AR SC TX MS AL GA LA NATIONAL OFFICE Dallas, Texas PR FL

WESTERN CENTRAL Patrick Farrant Jana Stewart irishpjf@comcast.net [email protected] (408) 227-1119 (812) 963-6019

ROCKY MOUNTAIN SOUTHERN Randy Gay Fredonia Williams [email protected] [email protected] (406) 721-5288 (256) 837-7354

MIDWEST NORTHEAST Cathy Byington Margaret Elbert tass1149@aol.com [email protected] (605) 201-8849 (516) 775-1367

SOUTHWEST MID-ATLANTIC Millie Henn Gerald Kemp [email protected] [email protected] (254) 773-1557 (803) 684-9512

4 Fall 2014 Heart to Heart Gus Littlefield, President

Managing the Challenges of Change

he annual National Education & Training Board of Directors, but for those who are upset by the change, Conference is an excellent opportunity to learn from I take full responsibility for the need, design and introduction the experts and engage with other Mended Hearts of our new symbol. volunteers, and this year’s event in Indianapolis in It is a part of the transition from an organization dependent JuneT was no exception. I thought we had excellent speakers on the support of others, to a better, more efficient and educational programs. It was one of our better independent organization that hopefully, with the support of conferences, in my opinion. our members, will proudly continue to serve heart patients As we emerge from the conference, we are facing challenges into a bright future. as an organization. As you probably know by now, we are no longer partnered with any outside organization, which means we have to take on the responsibilities of independence. To date, the response to this new reality has been positive, and that’s good. One of the challenges that has emerged lately is HIPAA — specifically, the lack of understanding of hospital compliance officers as to what Mended Hearts does, and how to help us instead of putting roadblocks in our path. HIPAA doesn’t apply to Mended Hearts as an organization. HIPAA covers three entities: 1) the insurance companies, which keep data on individual patients by name; 2) the electronic data companies that transmits such data; and 3) health care providers. Mended Hearts does not fall into these covered entities and therefore is not covered by HIPAA. We need to reach out to hospital compliance officers with the fact that we are there to help, not to cause problems with HIPAA compliance. TheListenMission.com Another challenge we face is our new identity. Many One of our loyal sponsors, Daiichi-Sankyo, recently named Mended Hearts volunteers are heart patients who have had us as the beneficiary of a new physician outreach project they surgery — but that doesn’t describe us all. There have been are launching. The project is called “The Listen Mission” and it many complaints over the past several years, not only from asks doctors the following question: “What is getting in the members, but also from the general public and sponsors, that way of you helping patients reach their goals in the our old logo was too similar to the American Heart management of atrial fibrillation and venous Association logo. The torch had to go. Further, although the thromboembolism, and what could help them reach those heart with the “zipper” is representative of surgical patients, it goals?” is not inclusive of all the cardiovascular patients we have in our For every physician who answers the question, Daiichi- membership. We represent stent patients, heart attack patients, Sankyo will give Mended Hearts a donation, up to $50,000. and patients with “electrical” defects, such as Atrial Fibrillation Want to help? Tell the cardiologists and physicians you work (AFib), requiring pace makers and/or defibrillators. To have a with to go to www.thelistenmission.com and answer this logo standing for all cardiovascular disease, we simply needed question. They’ll be helping a valued partner understand the a more inclusive symbol. barriers to reaching treatment goals, and they’ll be helping The new design was approved by the full Mended Hearts Mended Hearts at the same time.

Fall 2014 5 News From National Michele Packard-Milam, Executive Director

A New Look for a New Era

ews flash! All Mended Hearts chapters and “Why didn’t you ask us before you made this decision?” Mended Little Hearts groups have a live website! This answer is more complex. Your MHI Board has been It’s not very dignified, but here goes: WOO HOO! working on new logos for a long time, and the Regional One of the most important communications Directors were part of the process, which means your interests channelsN these days is the internet. At a recent ACC Meeting were represented. on Digital Patient Making design decisions that could Engagement, some please 20,000 people is hard startling trends were to imagine. Maybe the mentioned: “Most of us can question is bigger than that: 77 70 percent to 75 Are we one organization, percent of all united in purpose and people online read the writing approach? Or are we 301 look at separate groups with healthcare on the wall; little interest in what information happens to the others? 77 42 percent say we just assume I hope the answer is that they use that we are one, social media to it’s addressed to powerful brand with research healthcare an amazing impact on issues the health of millions someone else.” of patients. When I was out 77 90 percent of young in the field, though, that adults trust medical — Ivern Ball wasn’t the answer I heard. To information they quote a member, “The get from their National Office really doesn’t friends via social media have much to do with us.” Ouch! That’s not the only change that has occurred since our last We must start listening to each other, in both directions. issue. We launched new logos in July. I have spoken with We need to face our challenges as a team. The fact that we’re many members about the new logos, and it’s been losing hospitals because we can’t sustain enough visitors or illuminating. because a new compliance officer comes in should concern all “Why did we need a new logo?” is asked a lot. The most of us. important reason? Our logo closely resembled the American I’m not pretending to be interested when I say, “Tell me Heart Association’s. Because we are now on our own — what you think.” Our visitors and patient support folks there are no more subsidies coming from AHA or ACC — understand this mission better than anyone. I want to hear we must be able to raise money that clearly supports our what you think the staff needs to know. Tell us how we can mission. To succeed, we must be able to separate our brand grow our visiting program and extend our healing support to from all other cardiovascular nonprofits. more patients and families. New logos also signal a fresh approach to our mission and What will it take for us to go from $2 million to $10 our work. Our sponsors have responded with enthusiasm and million in 5 years? Ideas. Perseverance. Working side by side interest. To make things easier and more consistent, all to grow this organization and its heartwarming mission. chapters and groups will receive professionally designed From 2 to 10 in 5 … Let’s GO! logos with their names embedded with the new logo.

6 Fall 2014 Heart Hero Dolores Dries

Retired from Education, Dolores Dries is Still Helping Others Learn

n her career as an educator, Dolores Dries says she had to “encourage, be positive and, of course, be patient” with her students and their parents. “These attributes are also useful with other heart survivors,” she said. IDries recently retired after more than 30 years in education. During those years, she taught special education as well as grades 1 through 4. It was in 1989, a year after her coronary bypass surgery, that Dries saw the Mended Hearts booth at a health fair. “The members were so friendly that I decided to join,” she said. Dries also had a pacemaker implanted in 2005 and AV node ablation in 2008. A member of Chapter 30 in Dallas, Dries has served as president, vice president and secretary. She currently is serving as Co-Visitor Chairperson. In addition, she’s volunteered at the Mended Hearts National Office in Dallas for the past eight years. Dries was happy to provide assistance with the annual convention, mailings and general office duties. “As a Mended Hearts visitor, I get great inspiration visiting other heart survivors,” she said. Dries shared a favorite memory: “This happened many years ago, but I still remember it. At age 90 or so, this gentleman said he never buys green bananas, only “Encourage, be ripe ones. Reason: He lives each day as it is now and enjoys it.” Dries said that when she visits other patients before their positive and, of procedures and tells them that she had the same one, “the look of their faces brightens and they ask questions and are very interested — course, be patient.” including their caregiver. “They see there is HOPE and when recovered, they too will be — Dolores Dries doing things like before,” she continued. “This is very rewarding, to see I made a difference in someone’s life, and hopefully they will pass it on to others.” With Mended Hearts moving toward its independence, Dries is looking forward to seeing it become as recognized and known as other organizations, such as those for cancer and lung disease. Her suggestions? “I feel that Mended Hearts should concentrate on the younger generation and have more visibility with the Internet and with cardiologists,” she said.

Fall 2014 7 FEATURE

Carolyn Dean, MD, ND Taking the Stress Out of Caregiving No doubt about it, caregiving can be stressful. But it doesn’t have to be. Learn what you can do to keep many kinds of physical problems or health challenges. Having creative stress at bay while providing care ways to manage stress is important to staying healthy.” for your loved one. Carolyn Dean, MD, ND, sees specific physiological problems that stress can cause. “Prolonged stress can s stress just part of living? It sure seems that way at cause many health issues so controlling stress is very times, all the more so when you’re providing care at important. For example, prolonged stress triggers the loss home for a loved one who’s undergone a serious heart of magnesium and sodium as adrenaline is pumped into event or procedure. “Living in the United States the body by the fight-or-flight response,” said Dr. Dean, Itoday means one is living in a constant state of change, who is a member of the Advisory Board of the adjustment and stress,” said David Wakefield, PhD, a Nutritional Magnesium Association. “The highest amount licensed psychologist and licensed marital and family of magnesium in the body is found in the heart. If the therapist at Southwestern Regional Medical Center in heart muscle is low in magnesium, that muscle goes into Tulsa, Okla., and an adjunct professor at Oral Roberts contraction, causing heart palpitations and angina, high University. “Controlling stress is so important because it is blood pressure and potential heart attack or stroke.” a part of everyday living in our culture today.” Stress can have a very deleterious effect on one’s health. Minimizing Stress “Stress can be disruptive to everyday living. It is not But there are very effective ways for keeping stress at uncommon to feel confused, overwhelmed or helpless by bay, even while caregiving. As Dr. Wakefield noted, there’s challenges that one experiences,” Dr. Wakefield said. an easy way to remember how to do it: the ABCs of stress “Stress also has a negative impact on our immune system. management: If one’s immune system is not strong, one is susceptible to “Acknowledge that life presents many challenges,” Dr.

8 Fall 2014 Wakefield said. “Acknowledge also that being a caregiver when you need it — “Anytime you feel the quality of your brings even greater challenges. work and your own well-being will suffer if you don't get “Be proactive in making a plan to deal with the new help,” she said. stressors one is facing. Start by building on the strengths you “Many people don’t offer to help because they don’t know if already have,” Dr. Wakefield continued. “Then make a list of their offer will be accepted, so many caregivers are surprised at deficiencies or areas where you will need help from others. In the outpouring of help when they ask. It should always be OK my experience, when people go through a crisis in life, the to ask for help from a colleague or boss at work or look for number one predictor in how well one will survive a crisis is answers in books or classes as applicable,” she added. directly related to how much social support one has. Dedicate a point person to communicate the patient needs to everyone Home for the Holidays who is involved in helping. Humble yourself and ask for The holiday season is nigh upon us, and this can be an others to help. Find out what is needed for the patient and especially stressful time of year for many people. For coordinate with those who are willing to help. Delegate tasks caregivers, it can add an additional element of stress. “Most to others.” people feel they need to see their family during the holidays Finally, “Care for the caregiver: The most important thing a and taking time off work, traveling and interacting with family caregiver can do is to take care of themselves first,” Dr. members they don’t get along with adds tremendous stress,” Wakefield concluded. “When you fly you receive preflight said Dr. Dean. instructions like, ‘If the cabin should become depressurized, Dr. Wakefield offers some helpful tips for handling holiday oxygen masks will fall from the ceiling. If you are traveling stress. “Take a step back and let others help during the with a child or elderly person be sure to put your oxygen mask holidays,” he said. “Make a plan to turn caregiving over to on yourself first and then help the person you are traveling someone else over Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year’s so with!’ This advice is very important for caregivers. If you you can enjoy at least one of the holidays with your family become exhausted in your efforts to love someone back to and get some rest. health, then who will help the patient? If one isn’t careful there “Reduce the traditions to a reasonable amount. Set will be two patients instead of just one. This advice is reasonable expectations for the holidays that are achievable. especially difficult for female caregivers. Women tend to help “Set boundaries for family members: what they are expected everyone else first and themselves last. When one is a caregiver to do to help this year and what kind of behaviors are off you have to renew your energy daily so you will have the limits this year. This year is different. strength to help the patient for one more day.” “Learn to enjoy the gift of life and the gift of fellowship without spending money. It can still be special. This could be Ask for Help a great time for reflection and sharing great memories.” One key to being an effective caregiver is realizing you can’t go it alone. Dr. Dean said that it’s important to ask for help

Mended Hearts Caregiver Thrives in Her Role Helen Ledoux never asked to be a caregiver. But when her husband Arthur had a major coronary heart attack at the age of 56, she found herself in exactly that role. “It was just all overwhelming, a whole new ball game — a new normal,” said Ledoux. “Really, we didn’t know if we were doing everything right when we first came home.” To combat the stress of caregiving, Helen took control of the situation. “Right off the bat, I made a binder and just kept everything together for his prescriptions, a checklist of what he had to take and when, and things like that,” she said. It wasn’t easy, but Helen found a way to be a very effective caregiver for Arthur, thanks in no small part to Chapter 149. “After three months receiving a total of seven stents, we attended cardiac rehab where we learned about Ron Manriquez at Mended Hearts Arthur and Helen Ledoux Chapter 149,” said Helen. “Ron and Mended Hearts have been a great support for me and Arthur for the last three years.” Helen also praised Angela Manriquez, current president of Chapter 149, for her ongoing support of the couple.

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5/20/14 10:28 AM Little Hearts members 62nd Annual 62nd Annual & TRAINING CONFERENCE NATIONAL EDUCATION professionals and motivational professionals andmotivational sessions and member-led sessions andmember-led talks from themanygeneral workshops! workshops! recognized speakers:Patrick updates from several nationally cardiovascular medicaltrends and Women’s Hospital, Boston, O’Gara, MD,FACC, Brigham Mass., President oftheAmerican Society forCardiovascular Hershey, Pa., President ofthe S. Hershey Medical Center, Chambers, MD,FSCAI,Milton College ofCardiology; Charles Highlights included Highlights included Mended Hearts Gus Littlefield, President with theregistration: Indianapolis/Circle City Chapter78 to themembers ofthefollowing chapters whoassisted Diamond, andBenny andCynthia Stepp. Special thanks site: LindaMason, CentralRegion ARD,Hal Hatch, Joy arrangements andhelpingwith conference registration on local Indianapolis chaptermembersforvarious logistical Stewart andLaRue Tart. members CathyByington, RandyGay, Jim Oldfield, Jana identified presenters: Lynn Frierson, Program Chair, with the educationalsessions’ content,workshop topicsand thank you goestotheProgram Committeewhoplanned planned theConference andmadeitasuccess!Aspecial we’ll experience,thatis). never forget(outsidehisheart blended story, songandhumor!It ajourney wastruly thankful theywere tohave experiencedGary’s of mastery attended canattesttohow emotionallytouchedand Motivator, Griesser Gary ofBurlington, Ky. Allwho inspiring andcommandingpresentation by theSinging

Dedication andcountlesshourswere alsogiven by the There were somany Mended members who Hearts Alexandria Hatcher. CalhounandDick Two California chapter presidents – before Friday morning's AnnualMeeting. Conference attendees pickupcommittee reports Conference. andexhibitorproud supporter of GileadSciences,Tina Sampath, Carolina University, Psychology, East Greenville, N.C. included an included an conference day, The final The final

Members of NAVIGATING THROUGH CHANGE: Kentuckiana chapter 11 were dressed in their 50's attire for the OUR LEADER SPEAKS Conference 50's-themed reception. In her presentation, Mended Hearts Executive Director Michele Packard-Milam, CAE, addressed the changing nature of the mission of Mended Hearts and Mended Little Hearts, how the new reality of independence will impact the organization, and what all members can help with and benefit from the new direction the organization is taking. 62nd Annual “A lot has changed. For decades, we were under the wings of larger, more dominant organizations, but NATIONAL EDUCATION that all changed this year,” said Packard-Milam. “We are no longer receiving any guaranteed revenue & TRAINING CONFERENCE from anyone. Our infrastructure Michele Packard-Milam, CAE Cynthia and Bennie Stepp, president of Indianapolis North Chapter 383 must now be funded by allocating a Mended Hearts Executive Director help with Conference T-shirt during registration. portion of every dollar we raise.” That means challenges lie ahead, but Mended Hearts and — President, Pamela Hudson; Hamilton County, Mended Little Hearts are strong and focused enough to manage Noblesville, Ind., Chapter 350 — President Stan those changes. “These changes also mean that we are now Gurka; and Indianapolis North Chapter 383 — independent, and in my opinion, that’s a good thing,” said President, Bennie Stepp. Packard-Milam. “We can now take our brand out into the open Individual thanks and gratitude goes to the and grow awareness of Mended Hearts as a separate, strong and Conference Logistics Committee members: Marvin independent organization.” Keyser, Chairman; Margaret Elbert, Bobbi and Frank Growing even stronger will be part of the formula for success. Cecco, Lynn Frierson, Zulma Meneses, Daniel “For this to work, however, we have to pull together — the Moravec and Bob Scott. chapters and the National Office. Our infrastructure needs to be Kudos to MLH members who planned the MLH’s stronger,” she said. “We need to grow our financial assets so that first-ever CHD Symposium, along with the two-day we’re not living from one project to another and so we can afford MLH Leadership Conference: Andrea Baer, Andrea to do the things we need to do to reach the maximum number Himmelberger, Valerie King, Megan Setzer and Julie of patients and families.” Stucki. There is a plan for doing just that. “To get us to the next level, Four different chapter/member development we need more of a lot of things. We need more sponsors, and we workshops were held with a lot of idea sharing to help need to grow beyond pharma and medical equipment,” she a chapter grow to inspiring others via the Internet. All explained. “We need to get Mended Little Hearts on the large of the workshops were repeated to ensure that sponsorship map. We need to think on a bigger scale, and go in attendees could attend every workshop offered — a through the top of the hospital systems instead of the individual recommendation from past attendee evaluations! hospitals. We need to broaden our models to include all CV Thank you to all the members presenting at these diseases. More than anything, we need to reverse the trend of our workshops: Cathy Byington, Scott Eitman, Lynn shrinking membership by appealing to more age groups, more Frierson, Kelvin Fudge, Jake Gray, Millie Henn, Jim ethnicities and different types of patients. We are not just about Oldfield, and Fredonia Williams. surgical patients anymore.” To celebrate the impact we make, members and families gather at our Awards Banquet the final night,

where national and regional awards are presented for SEE YOU IN ORLANDO IN 2015 outstanding achievements to individuals, chapters and AT THE BUENA VISTA PALACE HOTEL & SPA! groups. The following award winners are setting the JUNE 24-27, 2015 pace for Mended Hearts members and chapters.

Fall 2014 11 62nd Annual NATIONAL EDUCATION & TRAINING CONFERENCE

FEATURE National Awards Mended Hearts award winners from the 62nd Annual Education & Training Conference

Mended Heart of the Year Sandi Larimore and Chapter 11 Kentuckiana members proudly display their Each year, Mended Hearts honors one volunteer who President’s Cup award. has demonstrated outstanding service in support of the Mended Hearts mission over the course of that person’s President’s Cup Award membership. The criteria for the Mended Heart of the Winners of the President’s Cup Award demonstrate Year include length of service participation on national strong qualities of engagement and involvement. Criteria boards, committees and task forces; and other include growth in the number of visits and visitors trained achievements that advance the MH mission. This year’s over the previous year; attendance at chapter meetings winner is: and other chapter-sponsored events; increase in membership and/or activities in the chapter; and local Lynn Frierson, Johnson City, Tenn. — public recognition, among other criteria. Winning Chapter 259 chapters cannot receive the same award again for three years. Lynn Frierson was on the receiving end of a Mended This year’s winners are: Hearts visit some 19 years ago, after her own heart surgery. Now a 19-year veteran of President’s Cup Award — 1-39 members Mended Hearts’ Johnson City chapter, Lynn Chapter 11, Kentuckiana, Louisville, Ky. became involved with Mended Hearts at the Sandy Larimore, President request of her cardiac rehab staff following her own procedure. She received training, Being so close in proximity to Indianapolis, the chapter became accredited as a visitor and has never sent 10 members to the Conference. For more on looked back. Chapter 11, see the Regional Update article on page 18 of For the past 9 years, Lynn has served on the the Summer 2014 issue of Heartbeat and on page 17 of Lynn Frierson, Mended Heart hospital auxiliary board at Johnson City this issue. of the Year Medical Center and has developed a wonderful relationship with the hospital and its staff. Two President’s Cup Award — 40-99 members years ago, she received the highest volunteer Chapter 115, The Bluegrass, Lexington, Ky. award from the auxiliary thanks to her volunteering and Francis Carpenter, President leadership with Mended Hearts. Nationally, Lynn served as the Southern Region’s ARD for Tennessee and Arkansas This busy chapter sent six members to the National for many years. In that role, she has developed several new Conference in 2014 along with another four to the chapters and satellites in her region. For the past three Regional Cluster Meeting. Thanks to the heavy years, Lynn has served Mended Hearts as the Conference involvement of its 21 accredited visitors who make Program Subcommittee Chair, where she recruited an rounds at three area hospitals, Chapter 115 increased annual group of members to oversee the development of their face-to-face hospital visits and expanded their reach program and speakers for the annual national conference. with follow-up phone calls to patients. For more Today Lynn continues her visiting activities and serves information on chapter 115, see the Regional Update as president of the Johnson City chapter, in addition to article on page 17. her other areas of service to our organization.

12 Fall 2014 62nd Annual NATIONAL EDUCATION & TRAINING CONFERENCE

President’s Cup Award — 100 or more volunteers’ personal items. The hospital must also provide members consistent contact persons for visitors and tangible recognition Chapter 127, Cookeville, Tenn. of Mended Hearts contributions to their patient care program. Pharoah Smithers, President Speakers and other personnel must be provided for meeting and other chapter needs, as well as other in-kind support. Past For more on Chapter 127, see the Regional Update article winners of the award are ineligible. on page 16 of this issue of Heartbeat. This year’s Hospital of the Year winner is: Cookeville Regional Medical Center Mended Little Hearts Group Cookeville, Tenn. Excellence Award Criteria for the MLH Group Excellence Award include an This year’s winner active visiting program, annual report completed and annual clearly showed their group fee paid on time; at least five educational meetings per support of Mended year; increasing membership; local public recognition; financial Hearts through their support for one coordinator to attend the annual conference, in generous in-kind addition to the lead coordinator; demonstrated work with support and community and local partners; conducting at least one contributions given to congenital heart disease (CHD) awareness event; and providing Chapter 127 from care packages to families. Cookeville, Tenn. In This year’s winners are: addition to printing and mailing monthly Mended Little Hearts Group Excellence newsletters, they also Award provided needed Mended Little Hearts of Phoenix meeting rooms for fundraising events, monthly Vanessa Blutrich, Lead Coordinator Gus Littlefield presents the Hospital of the Year to Pharoah Smithers, president of Cookeville, TN meetings and special Chapter 127. programs. The hospital Mended Little Hearts Group Excellence purchased 15th Runner-Up anniversary pins to give Mended Little Hearts of West Michigan to 15-year members and donated a birthday cake for the chapter’s 15 year anniversary celebration. Many special perks Jenna Wood, Lead Coordinator are provided for chapter accredited visitors: a 20% discount on hospital bills, free TB and flu shots, and free meals to For more about Mended Little Hearts of Phoenix, see the Accredited Visitors on days they work. This year, Cookeville story on page 18. For information about Mended Little Hearts Regional Medical Center provided all-expense paid support of West Michigan, see the story on page 8 of the Summer for four members to attend the conference. 2014 issue of Heartbeat. Internet Visitor of the Year Hospital of the Year A nominee for this award must give a personal account of In this competitive category, choosing the Hospital of the how they handled their heart event without giving medical Year is always very difficult for the Mended Hearts Executive advice. The nominee must be reaccredited every year and Committee because there are always such deserving provide brief, yet supportive information that is timely and candidates. Nevertheless, a decision must be made. accurate. This year’s winner is: To be considered, a hospital must provide Mended Hearts visitors reasonable access to patients, as well as access to the Rick Fisher, Newport News, Va. — cath lab and to family visiting; meeting space for Mended Chapter 119 Hearts; and space for literature, supplies and Mended Hearts

Fall 2014 13 62nd Annual NATIONAL EDUCATION & TRAINING CONFERENCE

National Newsletter Awards FEATURE A First-Time Attendee Newsletters are the lifeblood of Mended Hearts chapters, keeping fellow chapter members abreast of Relates Her Experiences local and national activities, while providing important Michele Coleman was very excited about attending her health and lifestyle information to improve patients’ first Mended Little Hearts Leadership Training and CHD lives. There are three divisions for the Newsletter Symposium. “As a new Award: monthly, bi-monthly and quarterly. This year’s coordinator for the winners are: Washington, D.C., group I felt like it was MONTHLY NEWSLETTERS important to get Award of Excellence engaged right away,” The Pacer she explained. “I was inspired by the other Alice Slucher, Editor group leaders I met Lexington, Ky., Chapter 115 through the various Facebook sites — they Honorable Mention really felt passionate Cardioactivities about it, and I wanted Merlin Loch, Editor to learn from them Michele Coleman and son Dylan San Diego, Calif., Chapter 62 what I could to help my group really thrive.” BI-MONTHLY NEWSLETTERS Of course, she had another reason to attend, as well. “My Award of Excellence son Dylan (now almost 2) was born with multiple CHDs The Mended Heartbeat and I was inspired by him to go and be as close to others Debbie Pollock, Editor who were engaged in CHD awareness, research and Woodlands, Texas, Chapter 341 advocacy as I could,” she said. “I feel that I owe it to him and his future.” Honorable Mention And is she ever glad she did. There were many highlights Heart to Heart for Michele, but several stood out. “Being able to have in-person contact with people you ‘know’ through social Ron Michaud, Editor and electronic media is really valuable and important for Salisbury, Md., Chapter 221 forging long lasting bonds,” she said. “As a volunteer (who QUARTERLY NEWSLETTERS has a full time job and is a full-time mom of two boys), it makes it easier to give your time and energy when you Award of Excellence meet other people whom you respect and are in the same Heart Notes position you are doing the same thing and doing so much Kristin Castiglione, Editor good in their communities. We know that we are not alone Dayton, Ohio, Chapter 61 in the fight against CHDs, but knowing that you are not alone in leading the local fight is tremendously reassuring.” Honorable Mention The CHD Symposium, which was open to the public, Granite City Beaters made a particularly strong impression with Michele. “The Bridget Klein, Editor symposium alone is worth the effort just to hear from all St. Cloud, Minn., Chapter 10 these doctors and CHD advocates who are on the leading edge of research and treatment was amazing. Being able to make a medical connection with high-caliber medical For a complete list of awards from the 62nd Mended professionals while I was there was great for me and my Hearts National Education & Training Conference, see son,” she said. “It’s really empowering to learn how we can the Mended Hearts website at www.mendedhearts.org. take charge in taking care of our children’s health.”

14 Fall 2014 Giant Creative Strategy Giant Creative Output @ 100% Bleed: 8.75"w x 11.25"h Trim: 8.25”w x 10.75”h 7.375"w Live: x 10"h Colors: 4CP + Colors: GILPT11284 PRINT WINTER HB PATIENT AD

62nd Annual NATIONAL EDUCATION & TRAINING CONFERENCE Speak from NOT live/trim_DO PRINT the heart about your angina

“I asked my doctor: What more can I do? How can you help me?” Claudia, angina patient

If you have been limiting your work or your activities because of your chronic angina, be sure to talk about it with your cardiologist.

For tips on how to talk with your cardiologist, information about living better with angina, and support and stories from real angina patients—including Claudia—visit www.SpeakFromTheHeart.com.

Your cardiologist is listening

D19528_2a_Claudia.indd 11.04.2013 133 linescreen B17932x01E_CLAUDIA_3U.tif jn Regional Update President’s Cup Awardees

TN L to R: Blanche Smithers (PR Chair), Dot Tomberlin (Treasurer), Laura Jackson (Secretary), Pharoah Smithers (President), AR Paul Korth (CEO, Cookeville Regional Medical Center), Dennis Guzlas (Vice-President), Lou Thomason (Visiting Chair), Sherry MS AL GA Shockley (Newsletter Editor) LA

FL PR Chapter 127 raised $1,200 in cash and still climbing.” He added that the chapter writes 12 A Vital Part of Its grants each year and receives money from all of them. The chapter has donated a total of 115 AEDs (automatic Community external defibrillators) to the Upper Cumberland area, at a ended Hearts Chapter 127 in cost of $1,300 each. The chapter has donated 10 AEDs so Cookeville, Tenn., has had an active far this year, all paid for by their fundraising efforts! and successful year. Group meetings “Every time Chapter 127 gives an AED, the local are one way Chapter 127 helps spread newspaper in that area will run a picture and do a write-up theM word about Mended Hearts. “Our public about our chapter,” said Smithers. “Cookeville Regional relations director set up eight speaking engagements Medical Center (CRMC) has a newsletter in which for me to go and talk about our activities and Chapter 127 has been featured several times. And both involvement in the communities,” said Pharoah CRMC and the local newspaper did a feature on Chapter Smithers, president of the chapter. 127 winning awards this year.” Attendance at the monthly programs ranged from 12 to Those awards include the President’s Cup (for chapters 150 people, he says. Smithers said that Chapter 127 also with 100+ members) award, the Regional Visiting attends approximately 15 health fairs each year, and has Chairman Excellence award, and for the first time, CRMC already attended seven in 2014. received the Hospital of the Year award. Fundraising for the community is also an important part Four members of Chapter 127 attended the National of chapter events. “This year we’ve had one bake sale with Education and Training Conference, Smithers says. He, profits over $1,000, and another one scheduled later this Public Relations Director Blanche Smithers, Visiting Chair year that’s always even better than the spring sale,” said Lou Thomason and Roberta Thomason all proudly traveled Smithers. “We are in the process of setting up our annual to Indianapolis for the June conference to accept the silent auction; the auction usually gives us revenue of awards on behalf of the chapter’s work. $8,000. After the first week of soliciting, we’ve already

16 Fall 2014 Chapter 115 Chapter 11 A Busy and Kentuckiana, Successful Year Louisville, Ky. he Kentuckiana chapter in Louisville was recognized for The Bluegrass for its outstanding achievements to the Mended Hearts hapter 115 The Bluegrass in mission with the President’s Cup for chapters with Lexington, Ky., has long been 1-39 members. Twelve members attended the a supporter of Mended Hearts TConference in Indianapolis, just a two-and-a-half-hour drive on all levels: locally, regionally and MI from Louisville. Conference attendees will remember Cnationally. The Bluegrass chapter was the unified attire at the Conference reception where PA recognized at the Conference with the OH the ladies made quite the splash in their matching President’s Cup award for chapters with IN ’50s poodle skirts and saddle shoes at the reception WV 40-99 members. — see their photo on page 11 in this magazine. KY In the past year, the chapter helped to As president, Sandy Larimore successfully led her chapter in send six members to the national conference increasing visits to patients and families, and oversaw many and four to the Regional Connections community and hospital activities (see the summer 2014 issue of meeting. At chapter meetings, approximately 25 members are Heartbeat for more on Art from the Heart). The Art from the usually present. Heart fundraiser project helped support a portion of the Chapter 115 has received great support from local hospitals. Conference registration fees and provided a donation to Mended The director of volunteer services at Baptist Health Lexington Hearts in recognition of the National Day of Giving in June. recognized the contributions of the 2013 Chapter Officers, along with the Mended Hearts volunteers, to their heart patients in an email to all hospital department directors. The chapter president and vice-president/ARD were interviewed on Your Pledge WKYT-TV’s mid-morning news program. Financial contributions that provide local funding for Makes a Di erence! chapter events were received this year from Baptist Health Lexington, St. Joseph Hospital Foundation, University of Kentucky Health Care, Mr. Albert Lawson (annual contribution), as well as 32 individual contributions in memory of a deceased member. In-kind donations to support the chapter’s great work include Baptist Health Lexington, St. Joseph Hospital (meeting space and refreshments); Baptist Health Lexington (meals on volunteer days—other hospitals provide volunteer discounts); Baptist Health Lexington, St. Joseph Hospital and University of Kentucky Health Care (free parking); and St. Joseph Hospital (newsletter printing). Chapter 115 has a successful visiting program, increasing their numbers from 1,460 last year to 1,545 patients and family visits this year. The chapter has 21 accredited visitors who visit three area hospitals. Visitors also see patients and family members in cath lab waiting room areas. This year, they implemented follow-up phone calls to patients, making 124 calls to their homes after hospital discharge.

Fall 2014 17 M L H Groups on the Move A Commitment to Excellence

At the 62nd annual Mended Hearts National Education and Training Conference, Mended Little Hearts of Phoenix was honored as the 2014 recipient of the MLH Group Excellence Award. Looking at all they’ve accomplished, it’s not hard to see why.

Members of Mended Little Hearts of Phoenix accepting the Group Excellence Award

usy. That’s the best word to describe Mended Little group’s Lead Coordinator. “I moved to Phoenix in 2009 and Hearts of Phoenix, a group that never rests on its joined then.” laurels. Getting involved with MLH was practically a no-brainer MLH of Phoenix has been going strong for six for Vanessa and her husband. “My son Owen was born in years.B “There was a support group in Phoenix that had 2008 with CHD, and we actually were in the hospital when dissolved, so a couple of CHD moms decided to start their we met other heart families,” she said. “My husband and I own MLH chapter in 2008,” explained Vanessa Blutrich, the knew immediately that we wanted to help others that were facing this. Owen just turned six and started first grade. He continues to inspire and motivate me!” Media and Education The group has steadily built up an impressive list of activities that are all designed to help CHD families with their pressing needs, while educating the public about CHDs. For starters, the group has an active visiting program at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Led by Visitor Coordinator Karla Cox, MLH of Phoenix visits heart families two to three times

Members and families participated in an infant CPR class!

18 Fall 2014 Dr. Aaron Kay speaks to MLH attendees about adult CHD care.

per month, delivering personalized care Hearts groups. The Phoenix group relies on the bags at every visit. Those care bags are efforts of Fundraising Coordinator Lindsay supplied thanks to a care bag drive the Gross to generate ideas for raising needed funds group conducts during National Heart throughout the year. During 2014, Lindsay Month, in which donations for the care managed to get a Mexican vacation and a car bags are received from hotels, dentists’ donated for a fundraising raffle, and more ideas offices, non-profit organizations and the community at large. are on the horizon. Karla then gets help filling the care bags at parties she holds in her home for just that purpose. Making an Impact And that’s just the visiting program. Through all their efforts, MLH of Phoenix now serves more MLH of Phoenix also conducts educational and social than 200 families across “the Valley of the Sun.” For Vanessa meetings on a monthly basis. Program Coordinator Allison Blutrich, the reason for the group’s success is straightforward. Beninghoff organizes these sessions on such topics as estate “I have a wonderful group of heart moms on the board, and planning, special education advice and the nutritional needs of we work really well together and want to help other families. CHD children. Dinner and babysitting are provided as part of the program. The group also connects with local media to get the word out about CHDs and the group’s initiatives. Media Coordinator Nikki Granados leads the efforts to gain media exposure for the group, and she was featured in a story on the local NBC affiliate’s news program covering CHDs and their impact on local families. The group was also featured in a local magazine, Raising Arizona Kids, which raised awareness about CHDs and offered tips to readers on how to get involved. Raising Awareness, Raising Money Thanks to the work of Special Events Coordinator Karen Alaniz, Mended Little Hearts of Phoenix also holds special events throughout the year — among them, the Winter Heart Family Party and the 2014 CHD Awareness Fair. At the Winter Party, families ate pizza, listened to music, made crafts and got their pictures taken with Santa. The Awareness Fair took place at the local children’s hospital, where CHD MLH of Phoenix kids rocking! awareness was front and center through education sessions on feeding issues, developmental struggles, special education and the latest in cardiology. The group plans to hold this event Because we get along so well, it’s very easy to be so active with every year. each other. We want to connect with as many families as Part of being so involved in the community is the possible.” opportunity to partner with other nonprofit groups, as well as With its tireless commitment to its engaging vision, the local businesses. Among the ones MLH of Phoenix works group is sure to have an even greater impact in the future. with is the Nick and Kelly Children’s Heart Foundation, a Being honored with the 2014 Group Excellence Award was local nonprofit that helps heart kids enjoy their time at confirmation that the Mended Little Hearts of Phoenix is on summer heart camp in California. The Nick and Kelly the right track for continued success. “It was a great feeling Children’s Heart Foundation also holds a cardiac symposium because we had worked so hard the past few months, and it each year at the city’s zoo. was a great feeling to be recognized for all we had A limited budget is a familiar concern to all Mended Little accomplished already,” said Vanessa.

Fall 2014 19 Mended Little Hearts Leadership Training Session

Sharing and Caring at MLH’s Leadership Training

ended Little Hearts’ (MLH) Leadership Pediatric Congenital Heart Association to host a national Training, including a national CHD CHD Symposium as part of the leadership training. Symposium, was held June 20-22 at the This Symposium was open to the public — not just Mended Hearts National Education and MLH group leaders. Cardiologists and medical TrainingM Conference in Indianapolis, Ind. In keeping professionals came in from around the nation to share with the overall conference theme, the training and their expertise. The leadership training speakers and the symposium featured educational programs and Symposium received excellent ratings in the evaluations and the comments were glowing. Many MLH leaders, both new and old, thoroughly enjoyed the leadership training and CHD Symposium. Valerie King, leader of the MLH group in Winston Salem, N.C., and Steering Committee members stated, “The leadership training in Indianapolis Jodi Lemacks, MLH National Program was great this June. There were a lot Director of high points this year. The training included topics like conflict management and financial education that are so valuable to our leaders.” One of the most important aspects of leadership Our Mended Little Hearts of Chicago group from conference. Heart moms from left to training for most MLH leaders is the chance to network right: Terri Simpson, Melanie Toth, Jen DeBouver and Michelle Williams with other leaders across the country. “Knowing that we aren’t alone in this fight is always beneficial to me,” said workshops designed to Inspire, Inform, and Ignite the King. “The time we spend with other leaders is MLH Coordinators that were in attendance. enlightening. Being able to share what has worked in National Program Director Jodi Lemacks stated about our groups and what has not is invaluable.” Melanie this year’s program, “We tried things a little differently Toth, leader of MLH of Chicago and also a Steering this year, and it really was a huge success. We joined Committee member added, “For me, the most forces with Children’s Heart Foundation and the important takeaway from leadership training is just

20 Fall 2014 Heart Heroes exhibit at MLH Leadership Conference attendees explore the St. Jude Medical booth. Conference! Proud supporter of MLH.

fantastic. Jeff Ton and Dave Stewart from Goodwill Industries Heartfelt Inspiration gave two powerhouse presentations. “These guys spoke from Julie Reves is a true inspiration to many. She is a their hearts and nailed it. I felt very honored that they spoke congenital heart disease survivor who celebrated her 50th at our conference,” she says. birthday by doing what she does so often, helping others. King said she had a conversation with an Angel Mom (one For her birthday, Julie asked friends and family to make a whose child passed away) at the airport while they were donation to Mended Little Hearts in her honor. She raised waiting for their flight “about how good it was to meet other money for her local Little Rock, Ark., Mended Little Hearts Angel parents and come up with a plan on how to celebrate group and for the national organization as well — totaling all of the children who pass from CHDs as well.” $700! As for next year’s leadership training, Toth says, “I think we This money will be used towards Bravery Bags for are always looking for ways to improve and grow leadership families in the hospital and for educational materials. A training. You learn what works well and what needs work. I heartfelt thanks to Julie! think opening up training again to outsiders with a symposium would be great.” King says she knows her group wants to be at next year’s networking with new and veteran groups on how to improve event. “We can’t wait until the location and dates are available your group’s activities and events. It’s always my favorite thing to start planning,” she said. “One other leader and I have gone to return home and share what we’ve learned and try a new for four years now — we can’t imagine missing the next one!” fundraiser that worked well for another group. We all learn so much from each other’s groups and we leave the conference energized and motivated.” Mended Little Hearts’ Stucki, Toth and King all agree that events such as this are a good time to meet colleagues from other MLH groups and CHD Symposium Provides share information about CHDs and its effect on their lives. Julie Stucki, who leads MLH of Evansville, IN and was Valuable Information for instrumental in planning the program with Lemacks and Parents and Caregivers ensuring its success, understands the importance of leadership training for the volunteer leaders. In order for MLH to Mended Little Hearts’ National Congenital Heart Defect support the leaders in the field, it must give them the Symposium was held Saturday, June 21, 2014, as part of the information and resources they need. “We have so many Mended Hearts National Education and Training Conference fantastic and caring group leaders, and many groups care in Indianapolis, Ind. enough to send more than one leader to conference,” Stucki In partnership with the Children’s Heart Foundation and said. “Our organization is growing and without all of our the Pediatric Congenital Heart Association, the symposium volunteers, we would not be who we are.” featured speakers renowned in congenital heart defect (CHD) In talking with other attendees, Stucki, King and Toth heard treatment. a lot of good feedback about the leadership training. “We “This was the first year for the symposium, and the lineup enjoy getting to know each other, and bonding with another we had scheduled for that day was dynamite,” said Stucki. “All Heart Mom or Dad,” said Toth. “The roundtable discussions of our speakers did a fantastic job and I had the privilege of where we can brainstorm and share ideas/successes about our this year’s MLH conference being in my neck of the woods.” groups are always so helpful and well-received.” “I think the biggest highlight of leadership training this year She added that the leadership training this year was “beyond was Saturday’s CHD (congenital heart defect) Symposium,”

Fall 2014 21 said Toth. “It was a new and fun way to learn about other CHD groups like Sister by Heart, as well as hear heart surgeons speak.” She says that she and others were “blown away” by the presentations of the doctors during the CHD Symposium. “The passion in those speakers makes us want to work harder to bring that kind of awareness to our local level,” said King. Dr. Nicolas Madsen, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Stucki was most affected by Dr. John Brown’s presentation on “Treatment Advances & Innovations for Congenital Heart Defects.” “I was privileged to announce this wonderful man. Not only is he an excellent surgeon, but he is my surgeon!” HB: What types of exercise are most beneficial? Does it vary she said. “Mended Little Hearts’ mission is to provide hope; with age? this is the man that has given me my hope. Hearing his NM: My first recommendation is to talk to your cardiologist. presentation not only touched my heart and soul, but touched Exercise comes in many flavors (weight lifting vs. cross- everyone in that room that day.” country running) and varying levels of intensity (competitive One of the topics, presented by Dr. Nicolas Madsen of club soccer vs. biking around the neighborhood). The Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, was “Exercise and Your CHD distinctions between different exercises and the intensity can Child”. Here, Dr. Madsen discusses the importance of exercise make a big difference, and needs to be considered within the for children with CHD. context of one’s own type of CHD. However, importantly, almost all persons with CHD can Heartbeat: What are the benefits of exercise to people with safely perform some type of exercise or physical activity. This is CHD? an important point, in my opinion. We know being active is Dr. Nicolas Madsen: The benefits are multiple. People with healthy, benefitting not only cardiovascular health but also CHD are exposed to all the unhealthy environmental mental and emotional health. This is why talking to one’s pressures that everyone faces daily. This includes making cardiologist about how one can safely remain active is so unhealthy dietary choices, increasing amounts of time in crucial — it has major benefits to quality of life. sedentary activities such as watching TV or sitting at the computer, and a trend toward less time spent in moderate to HB: Are there any general guidelines or tips you would vigorous physical activity such as hiking, biking, swimming recommend? and jogging. As a consequence, there is ever-present risk for NM: Talking to your cardiologist is the first step. Next, find the development of obesity, hypertension and diabetes. out if you have any unique possible contraindications to Importantly, exercise is one of the most well-described tools to exercise and physical activity (significant ventricular prevent the onset of these conditions, and should be promoted dysfunction, particular heart rhythm irregularities, significantly as such. People with CHD have additional unique risk factors elevated pulmonary artery pressures or marked dilation of the that may make exercise and the prevention of chronic diseases aorta). If one does not have any of these less common features, even more crucial. then the guidelines suggest that exercise and physical activity Although the evidence to directly support the benefits of are safe. Remember to advocate for your interest in being exercise and physical activity in the CHD population is less active — it will improve your health. than that found for the general population, I do not think it is a stretch to imagine many examples that highlight the Dr. Brad Marino of Northwestern, who previously conducted increased risk factors for the CHD population. For example, a webinar for MLH, spoke at the Symposium about those individuals who have operations involving their coronary neurodevelopmental issues that CHD children have. Many arteries in the newborn period (transposition of the great parents still don’t realize that some kids need to be screened for arteries) probably benefit from regular exercise that helps them these issues. Dr. Alistair Phillips spoke about innovations in maintain a normal blood pressure and optimizes their CHD surgery and treatment, including new techniques that cholesterol levels. Or those individuals who have ventricles are not as “invasive” as they have been in the past. He brought that may show decreased function over time (Tetralogy of hearts that were created by a 3D printer for participants to Fallot or Fontan) may further benefit from the known benefits pass around, which were a favorite of many. of exercise to the heart muscle itself.

22 Fall 2014 Another speaker at the National Congenital Heart Defect Symposium was Dr. Aaron Kay, director of the Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program at Indiana University/Indiana University Health. His presentation was titled, “Empowering Your Child to Transition to Adult CHD Care.” Dr. Kay provided valuable insight about giving your child the tools he or she needs to receive proper care in transitioning to adulthood. follow up.” Although you may feel well, it is important to stay Heartbeat: How difficult is it to make the transition from involved in a source of care that knows you when you are well child to adult CHD care? — that way if you get sick, someone knows what your baseline Dr. Aaron Kay: It really varies from patient to patient, and is, and also knows enough about your condition to treat you depends on how complicated the cardiac birth defect is. The adequately. transition is much easier for those who haven't had to have heart surgery, or only one heart surgery, than it is for those HB: What resources are available? who have been admitted many times and required three or AK: There are many websites available to help people with even more surgeries during childhood. CHD and their parents as they go through the transition. One that I find extremely helpful, especially for those finishing high HB: What are the most common obstacles faced when making school or college who suddenly have to relocate for work (and the transition? thus have a transition, not from pediatrics to adult life, but AK: One of the hardest parts of making the transition is, from one city to another), is the Adult Congenital Heart honestly, knowing that you will have a competent provider Association website, www.achaheart.org, which has a taking care of you when you are an adult. Adult cardiologists comprehensive directory of every ACHD program in the generally get very little training in congenital heart disease. country. This website not only lists the programs, but also There has recently been a push to change this, and in 2015 provides details that can give a family a good idea if the there will be a board exam that cardiologists with adequate program has enough experience to care for them adequately or training can take to prove that they are board certified, and if they should keep looking, or even consider moving to a thus very competent, in the management of adults with different city with better resources. congenital heart disease. Also, adult facilities are set up for patients who are generally Other great Symposium speakers were Amy Basken, Pediatric much, much older than your average adolescent patient, and Congenital Heart Association, who inspired us to be “Agents they aren't set up to be as child-friendly, and that can be of Change”; Darcie Mille, MLH of Puget Sound, who intimidating for someone who is used to having the availability helped us calm our busy minds; and, Stacey Lihn, Sisters By of very aesthetically pleasing surroundings more common in Heart, who told us about how she used her story to make a children's hospitals. difference in the lives of many.

HB: What are some ways to manage the transition? AK: It really needs to start during adolescence, while the child is still primarily being seen in a pediatric environment. I would IRUN4 supports encourage parents to empower their children, starting at age 12 Mended Little Hearts or so, to engage with their pediatric cardiologist during office visits and, likewise, ask the pediatric cardiologist to begin IRUN4 is a matching program that matches special directing questions to the child, rather than only to the needs individuals with runners who dedicate their miles to parents. Of course, every teenager is different, and some are their “buddy” and raise awareness for their cause. ready for this sooner than others. It is important to be honest Andrew Blakley is a Tough Mudder from Dayton, and make sure the teenager understands realistic limitations Ohio, who is matched with Trenton Baer, son of Andrea their condition places on them. For example, if they have Baer, Vice President of Mended Little Hearts. Andrew certain types of disease, they can't lift heavy weights and may dedicates all his miles to Trenton and helps to raise want to pursue a career that doesn't involve heavy lifting. awareness for congenital heart defects (CHDs). He, along with some of his running friends, have HB: What advice would you offer to people facing this recently hosted a fundraiser with a silent auction in order transition? to raise funds for MLH National. Thank you Andrew for AK: It is very helpful to have a network of other people in running for Trenton, and for Mended Little Hearts! similar situations. Mended Little Hearts is a terrific resource. Interested in running for someone? Check out The most important advice I can give is, “don’t get lost to www.whoirun4.com!

Fall 2014 23 Exercise vs. Stress

Michael Mantell, PhD One of the best ways to keep stress out of your life is to get plenty of physical activity.

ichael Mantell, PhD, would prefer that we stop talking about “managing” stress and start talking about preventing it in the first place. “For all of our expertise in managing stress, still nearly 80 percent of Americans regularly experience physical symptomsM caused by stress while nearly 75 percent experience stress-related psychological symptoms,” said Dr. Mantell, who is Senior Consultant for Behavioral Sciences for the American Council on Exercise. “Extreme stress is a familiar feeling for one-third of the country due largely to job pressures, financial woes, health concerns and unhealthy relationships. These are folks who are busy focusing on managing stress, rather than having prevented it. We are all familiar with at least some of the symptoms of stress. “Debilitating fatigue, jackhammer headaches, hypertension, weight gain, weaker immune system, lead weights inside your upset stomach, vice-like muscle tension, boiling anger, frozen anxiety, ‘I give up’ depression and yes, Dr. Mantell’s Tips in a Nutshell even impaired sex drive—these are some of the $300 billion a year stress Dr. Michael Mantell has a handy mnemonic management-related costs,” said Dr. Mantell. (memory aid) for preventing stress: So, how do we go about preventing stress from entering our lives in the S- Smile more daily, especially at the first 10 first place? One of the best ways to do so is through that old stand-by, people you see exercise. T- Think rationally, accurately, logically, Simply put, physical activity is great for your overall health. Its benefits confidently, and positively have been well documented through careful research. “Exercise is the free R- Relive the good with healthy relationships, preventive — and yes managing — medicine we’ve always had to improve the pleasant, the favorable our wellbeing, including reduce stress. Exercise increases brain-derived accomplishments in your life and avoid neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which promotes the health and growth of your recounting the bad brain, in particular your prefrontal cortex/hippocampus, which helps in stress E- Eat right and light including asparagus, reduction,” said Dr. Mantell. “In addition, exercise promotes the production avocados, blueberries, warm milk, almonds, of endorphins, the ‘feel good’ neurotransmitter. Exercise increases another salmon, spinach, oatmeal feel-good stress moderator, the neurohormone norepinephrine, while S- Sweat more through regular exercise reducing THE stress chemical, cortisol, as well. Of course, exercise improves including high intensity interval cardio and your mood, reduces anxiety, lifts spirits, and leaves you feeling more self- resistance training (set a timer and stand confident — all positive antidotes to stress.” every 10 minutes if you can during work), So what kind of exercise is best for preventing stress and benefiting your yoga, Pilates, tai chi, and meditation overall health? “All forms of movement are better than not moving,” Dr. S- Savor your life by choosing gratitude and Mantell pointed out. “Cardio, continuous activity, interval training, running, focusing your thinking in healthy, mindful, Zumba, Les Mills group exercise programs, dance, spin, biking, swimming, factual ways without predicting gloom and resistance training, yoga and pilates, tai chi, team sports and just a good doom, slow yourself down by finding the old-fashioned walking around the block — at moderate to intense levels — beauty of experiences and creating relaxing can all create the chemical impact and cognitive clarity that exercise offers to moments throughout your day reduce stress.” Try to get 150 minutes per week, which works out to five 30-minute sessions, and you’ll be doing yourself a world of good.

24 Fall 2014 Historical Hearts MENDED HEARTS INTERNET VISITING PROGRAM Mended Hearts Chapter Anniversaries December 2014 – February 2015 Heart patients, their family and friends

40 years Denver, CO · Chapter 42 · Southwest Region Santa Barbara, CA · Chapter 22 · Western Region 30 years Fresno, CA · Chapter 92 · Western Region Winchester, VA · Chapter 173 · Mid-Atlantic Region

25 years Internet visitors offer support, encouragement St. Paul/Minneapolis, MN · Chapter 89 · Midwest Region and understanding by sharing their experiences. 20 years If you need support from people who have experienced your particular type of heart event, Bellefontaine, OH · Chapter 69 · Central Region contact the Mended Hearts Internet Visiting Salisbury, MD · Chapter 221 · Mid-Atlantic Region Program by emailing Gerry Harrelson, Tulare, CA · Chapter 158 · Western Region Chairperson, at [email protected]. 10 years Oxford, MS · Chapter 330 · Southern Region 5 years Portsmouth, NH · Chapter 360 · Northeast Region

Mended Little Hearts Anniversaries December 2014 – February 2015

10 years Heart-to-Heart (Mended Little Hearts of Des Moines, IA) · Midwest Region 5 years Mended Little Hearts of Greater Rochester, NY · Northeast Region

Fall 2014 25 NATIONAL DAY OF GIVING

Chapters, Groups and Individual Donors Organizations Mr. and Mrs. Richard H. Adams Mrs. Khen Chen Mr. James Ewing Mended Hearts Chapter #9 Mr. Paul Akhbari Mr. Tung-Ho Chen Mrs. Katherine Fagan Mended Hearts Chapter #11 Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Alaimo Ms. Mary Chimel Ms. Norah Fagan Mended Hearts Chapter #12 Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Albergo Mr. Charles Christmas Mr. and Mrs. Michael Falabella Mended Hearts Chapter #16 Dr. Camillo A. Alberico Mrs. Deidra Cizon Mr. William J. Farr Mended Hearts Chapter #22 Mrs. Barbara Anderson Mr. Al Clark Mrs. Dorothy Faul in honor of Neil Baker, ARD Mr. Carl H. Anderson Mrs. Trudy Clark Mr. Sydney Fawcett Mended Hearts Chapter #40 Mr. Richard H. Anderson Mr. Ryan Coleman Mr. and Mrs. Robert K. Feeney Mended Hearts Chapter #50 Mr. and Mrs. Don Arvay Mr. William R. Coleman Ms. Tracy Finlayson Mended Hearts Chapter #59 Mr. Charles A. Augliera Mr. and Mrs. William Collins Mr. and Mrs. Ross Fishman Mended Hearts Chapter #62 Ms. Patricia Austin Mr. James Compton Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Fleck Mended Hearts Chapter #63 Ms. Angelina Baca Mr. and Mrs. Dale Conwell Mr. Dominic Fontana Mended Hearts Chapter #69 Mr. James L. Bacchus Mr. and Mrs. Gary Cooper Mr. Michael D. Fornino Mended Hearts Chapter #77 Mr. and Mrs. Brett Baer Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Cooper Mr. and Mrs. Brian Forrest Mended Hearts Chapter #102 Ms. Marcia Baker Mrs. Ann Coots Mr. Mike Fortini Mended Hearts Chapter #107 in honor of her parents Mr. Albert Copenhaver Mrs. Rachel Fortner Mended Hearts Chapter #115 Ms. Donnie Ruth Baldwin Ms. Gloria M. Corbo Mr. David Foster Mended Hearts Chapter #117 Ms. Catherine Balsley Mr. and Mrs. Earl Cornelsen Dr. Fetnat Fouad-Tarazi Mended Hearts Chapter #126 Mr. Mike Bankovich Mr. Thomas Corrigan Mr. Steve Fox Mended Hearts Chapter #127 Mr. Kaz Barcynski II for Satellite #23 Mrs. Carmen Cote-DeVaughn Ms. Gladys Frankson Mended Hearts Chapter #137 Mr. Frederick Barrett Mr. Alfred C. Cottrell for Satellite #23 Mended Hearts Chapter #140 Ms. Joyce Barczak Mr. Bayard T. Crane Jr. Mr. and Mrs. David L. Fraysher Mended Hearts Chapter #148 Mr. and Mrs. John Barton Mr. and Mrs. Joe Creasor Mr. Russ Frerichs Mended Hearts Chapter #149 Mrs. Arnella Bashkov Mrs. Barbara Crisler Mr. William Frondi Mended Hearts Chapter #162 Mr. Robert Bass Mr. Leonard Crupnick Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Fullerton in memory of Noah Tilghman Mr. John Bateman Mrs. Kathleen Culver in memory of her Mr. J. Conrad Gagnon Mended Hearts Chapter #168 in honor of Mrs. Letitia Bates husband Pete Mr. and Mrs. Carlton Galbreath Ms. Cecile Kessler’s 99th Birthday Mr. Alfred K. Bauer Mr. Robert Cyr Mr. Rudy Galistel (founding chapter member) Mr. and Mrs. Herbert T. Beach Mr. Edward Dahy Mr. Carl Gallagher Mended Hearts Chapter #189 Mr. Ralph Beckwith Mr. Kenneth E. Dawson Mr. and Mrs. Bert Gamber Mended Hearts Chapter #198 Mr. Lauren Beskow Ms. Samantha Day Mr. Lewis E. Gammon Mended Hearts Chapter #206 Mr. William Blaher Mrs. Jessica Deering Mrs. Mary G. Gardner Mended Hearts Chapter #214 Mr. and Mrs. William H. Blohm Mr. and Mrs. Carl DeJohn Ms. F. Geane and Nancy Govert Mended Hearts Chapter #221 Mr. and Mrs. Steven Bode Mr. Lawrence Del Vecchio Mrs. Clara Genther Mended Hearts Chapter #233 Mr. and Mrs. Jack Boggess Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Delateur Mr. Alan George Mended Hearts Chapter #240 Ms. Marilynn Boggess Mr. Robert Derick Mr. and Mrs. Glen Gerard Mended Hearts Chapter #242 Mr. Francis Bonanno Mr. Tegan Desmond Mr. Ivan E. Gillis Mended Hearts Chapter #243 Mr. and Mrs. William Bootz Mr. Donnell R. Dixon Ms. Teresa Glass Mended Hearts Chapter #245 Mr. John E. Borbone Mr. and Mrs. John David Dodson Sr. Mr. Michael Glassman Mended Hearts Chapter #248 Mr. Ira Bornstein Mr. Alan Dohner Ms. Lois Goehring Mended Hearts Chapter #255 Mr. Norman Brabec Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Domanico Mr. Burton Goldstein Mended Hearts Chapter #260 Mr. and Mrs. Jim Brady Mr. and Mrs. Leo A. Donath Mr. David J. Goldstein Mended Hearts Chapter #281 Mr. David N. Brahinsky Mr. Jim Donnelly Mr. Robert Gonciarz Sr. Mended Hearts Chapter #289 Mr. Darld Brannon Mr. Michael J. Downes Mr. and Mrs. James Gould Mended Hearts Chapter #290 Ms. Marilyn Branzetti Mr. John and Leyla Drea Dr. George L. Granger Ph.D. Mended Hearts Chapter #294 Ms. Judy Briemle Ms. Dolores Dries Mrs. Janice Gray Mended Hearts Chapter #322 Ms. Martha J. Brown Mr. and Mrs. Betram C. Drouin Mrs. Katherine Gray Mended Hearts Chapter #338 Mr. Russell Bucklin Mr. and Mrs. Dubble Ms. Sylvia Grekoff Mended Hearts Chapter #342 Mr. and Mrs. John Burgoon Ms. Jean W. Dunn Mr. Steven Gretencord Mended Hearts Chapter #344 Ms. Debbie Burton Ms. Catherine Mary Dunne Mr. Gregory Groeber Mended Hearts Chapter #350 Mr. Don Cairns Ms. Sharon Durbin Mr. Walter Gunn Mended Hearts Chapter #379 Mr. and Mrs. Peter Calamari Mr. Chuck Dyarmett Mrs. Loraine Gunsior Mended Little Hearts of Phoenix Mr. Patrick D. Callahan Mrs. Diane Dyer Mrs. Shashi Gupta Mended Little Hearts of West Michigan Dr. and Mrs. Christian Campos Ms. Carmen-Sol Echeverria Mr. Lawrence Hahn Cloverland Foundation for Mr. Gerald Chase Mr. Dante Carlomagno Ms. Janette Edwards in memory of Karen Mr. Dale Haller Carolina East Medical Center Mr. James M. Carter Harris Caton Mrs. Doreen Hallowich for Satellite #23 Mrs. Aline D. Castonguay Mr. Daniel Effinger Mr. James Hansen Carolina East Health System Mr. and Mrs. Oreste Cavallini Mr. John Eich Mr. Robert G. Hansen for Satellite #23 Carolina East Health System Mr. and Mrs. George Ellis Mr. Andrew Harautuneian JD Restaurant for Mended Hearts for Satellite #23 Mrs. Syble H. Ellis Mr. Don Hartsfield Chapter #350 Mrs. Evelyn Cavicchio Ms. Elizabeth Escobedo Mrs. Cleone Hastings Mr. Wilson A. Chase Mr. Tomas Esterrich Dr. and Mrs. Edmond M. Haven Ms. Catherine Chatman Mr. Jarvis Ray Everett Mr. and Mrs. Michael Haytas

26 Fall 2014 NATIONAL DAY OF GIVING

Mrs. Lois Heaton Mr. and Mrs. Max Leibold Ms. Teresa Morris Mr. James O. Roberts Mr. and Mrs. David Traylor Ms. Ellane Hein Ms. Wendy Lemke Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Morse Ms. Lynsi Robles for Jim’s Mr. and Mrs. Tom Trewartha Ms. Lydia Helberg Ms. Jane Lewis R.N. Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Moss Machining Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Tummino Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Henry Mrs. Jackie Lichaa Mrs. Carol Munroe Mr. A.C. Roda Mr. William Tursellino Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Herring Mr. and Mrs. Julie Lipper Mr. Eugene Murnane Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Rogers Ms. Gert Ulrich-Schoengart Mr. and Mrs. Robert T. Hess Mr. and Mrs. G.M. Littlefield Mr. Elwood R Myers Mrs. Geraldine Rose Ms. Marjorie Vander Baan Mr. T. Aaron Hicks Mr. and Mrs. James Litviak Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Nadler Mr. and Mrs. Virgello Rose Mr. William Vehige Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Hill Mr. Theodore Lobel Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Nash Mr. Charles L. Ross Mr. and Mrs. Jose Vitoria Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Hillhouse Mr. and Mrs. John Locke Mr. Carl J. Nastoupil Jr. Mr. Douglas Rudolph Mr. Bill Voerster Mr. Andrew R. Hoard Mr. Ronald B. Lorenz Mr. Joe Natale Ms. Gloria B. Ruiz Ms. Irene A. Vollbrecht Ms. Donna Hoffman Mr. Jay H. Lowden Jr. Mr. Al Nealis Mr. Joe Russo Mr. Robert Wachs Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Hoffman Mr. and Mrs. Chad Ludwig Ms. Joanne F. Newman Mr. and Mrs. George Ryan Ms. Nancy Walker Mrs. Emily Holtzer Mr. Thomas Lutton Mr. James Nichelini Mr. Michael J. Rymond Mr. Dewitt H. Ward Ms. Carol Huesman Mr. James M. Lynady Mr. and Mrs. Webbs Norman Ms. Rose A. Sagan Mr. Ralph Ward Mr. and Mrs. Jack Hughes Mrs. Simone Mabry Mr. and Mrs. John Norvig Mr. Angelo Sangiovanni Ms. Elizabeth Warren Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Mrs. Jane Magnus Mr. and Mrs. Bob Oberfield Mr. Seymour Sard Mr. and Mrs. Walter Wary Humphreville Mr. Robert Mahovsky Mr. Robert Oberfield Mr. Tom Sarosy Mr. and Mrs. Weathers Mr. and Mrs. Ray Huntington Mr. And Mrs. Ronald Mailes Mr. Richard K. O’Dea Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Sauter Mr. Donald Weber Mr. and Mrs. Steve Hutcheson Ms. Clara Marcus Ms. Ola F. O’Neal Ms. Robin Schlesinger Mr. Rodney Weiher Mr. and Mrs. Frank Iden Mrs. Judith L. Marowski Mr. P. Dean Olive Mr. Bob Schmidlin Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Weingard in honor of Chapter #35 Mr. George Martin Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Olson in honor of Chapter #35 Mr. Glenn Welch Mr. and Mrs. Paul Iversen Ms. Patricia Martin, Trustee, Last Mr. and Mrs. Orlando Ms. Dorothy Schmitt Mr. and Mrs. James Welch Mr. Roger Ivey for Chapter #240 Will and Trust of Sergeant and Whitney Ortiz Mrs. Doretta K. Schneider Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Wentworth Ms. Jo Ann Jackson in memory of Major Harlen M. Gibson in Mr. Timothy Ortlieb Mr. William Schwartz in honor of Carter Wentworth William F. Young Harlen’s memory Mr. and Mrs. Ours Ms. Joan Scott Mr. Merrill B. Westhoff Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Jacobs Ms. Dorothy Martini Mrs. Michele Packard-Milam, CAE Mr. and Mrs. Robert Scott Ms. Juanita L. Wheeler Ms. Mai Wah Jang Mr. E. Bruce Mather in memory of Betty Ruth Ball Mr. and Mrs. George Shanks Mrs. Audrey Whitlow Mr. and Mrs. Gary Jensen Mr. John Martin Mr. Byron Pagliassotti Mr. Ray Shannon Mrs. Jeanne D. White Mrs. Cora Johnson Ms. Tracy Matluck Mr. Robert Pasch Mr. Terry Shea Mr. Vernon Wickman Mr. Dean E. Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Mayer Mr. Richard Pashman and Ms. Mr. and Mrs. David Sherry Mr. James Widner Mr. Edward T. Joyce Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Mays Loren Rosenthal Mrs. Mary Shilcutt for Chapter Mr. Claude Wilder Ms. Marie A. Katz Mr. Thomas L. Mazzei Mildred and Cheryl Ann Patrick #240 Ms. Carolyn Wilkin Mr. and Mrs. Barton Kazin Mr. and Mrs. Patrick McBee Ms. Helen Payne Mrs. Ginny Showalter in honor of Chapter #35 Mr. and Mrs. John Keegan Mr. Thomas McCabe Mr. Joseph F. Peters Mr. and Mrs. Robert L Siebert Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Willems Ms. Shirley Kell Mr. Richard McCall Mr. Don Petersen Mr. Marvin Siegersma Mrs. Gene E. Williams Mr. Frank Kelly Mr. and Mrs. Samuel McClary Mr. and Mrs. Richard G. Peterson Mr. and Mrs. Ray Silva Ms. Florence I. Williamson Mrs. Mary T. Kempf Mr. Buddy McClellan Mr. Robert Pfahl Mr. Richard J. Simmons Ms. Barbara Windt Mr. Joseph Kennedy Mrs. Janet McCord Mrs. Catherine Phelan Ms. Dorothy Skrip Ms. Vickie Wingfield Mr. and Mrs. Ira Kirschbaum Mr. and Mrs. Francis McDonald Mr. and Mrs. Damon Phillips Mrs. Geraldine Slemp Mrs. Shirley Wirtz Theresa and Wesley Kittrell Mr. Patrick McDowell Mrs. Eleanor Pilcher Mrs. Barbara Smith Mr. and Mrs. Edward M. Wise Carrillo Mr. Wilbur C. McEachin Mr. Andrew Pizzi Ms. Kimberly Smith Mr. and Mrs. Donald Witt Mr. John W. Knuth Mr. and Mrs. John J. McElrone Mrs. Maryellen Pizzi Mrs. Virginia Smith Mr. Clarence C. Wolfe Mr. Larry Koch Mr. Matthew McGarvey Mrs. Norma Powel Mr. and Mrs. Raymond M. Sokola Mr. and Mrs. Tyson Wollert in Ms. Mary Kondysar Mr. and Mrs. Robert R. McGee Mr. LeRoy Powell Mr and Mrs. Edgar Southard honor of Aftyn Wollert Ms. Anne Korenstein R.N. Mr. and Mrs. Ernest McGrath Mr. and Mrs. Timothy J. Powell in honor of Chapter #173 Ms. Anna R. Wood Mr and Mrs. Jerry Koudelka Ms. Irene R. McLean Ms. Helen Qualls Mr and Mrs. Harry G. Spakowski Mr. Samuel Wooten Mrs. Diana Kranz Mr. Robert McLean Mr. Larry Rafferty Mr. and Mrs. George W. Stahl Mr. Phil Wright Mr. Stanley Krick Mr. and Mrs. James McMinn Ms. Elaine Raimondo Mrs. Jana Stewart Mr. David W. Yarbrough Mr. and Mrs. Michael Kriz for Chapter #240 Mr. Donald P. Rainey Mr. and Mrs. Richard Strait Ms. Lorraine Young Mr. and Mrs. Rollie W. Kruse Mr. and Mrs. Matthew McMurchy Mr. Lawrence W. Rand Mr. and Mrs. Richard Striker Mr. Stanley W Zdral Dr. Bruce M. Kuehnle M.D. Ms. Jackie Michelli Mr. and Mrs. William Rawson Ms. Jean Stulberg Mr. and Mrs. Karen Zeller Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Kukuck Mr. Alex Mihailovski Mrs. Lee M. Ray Mr. and Mrs. William Stutz Ms. Marlene Zepeda Mr. James Kwee Ms. Rose Mineo Mr. and Mrs. Robert Reahl Mr. Lorne Sugar Mr. Harry Zimmerman Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Labrada Mrs. Rosa Minuti Mr. and Mrs. Dan Record Mr. James Sullivan Ms. Juanita Zuber Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Laibstain Ms. Dana Missel Mr. and Mrs. Amos Reed Mr. John Sullivan Mr. and Mrs. Charles Landram Mrs. Eileen Mitchell Ms. Debra Reed and Ms. Cindy M. Tabor We also received some Mrs. Rebecca J. Larason for Chapter #240 Mr. Nick Zangari Ms. Patricia Talerico donations from anonymous Ms. Carolyn Larj Mr. John Mizerak Mrs. Ellen Regan Mr. Rudy V. Tiehes donors. Additional donations Mr. Loyd Lavender Mrs. Marilyn Monarch Mr. and Mrs. David Reinke Mr. James T. Timidaiski are still being processed. Thank Mr. Ed Lebryk Mr. Kevin J. Montavon Mr. and Mrs. Pat Rescenete Mrs. Lee Ann Tobin you everyone who made it a Mr. Armand L. Lefebvre Mrs. Shirley Moore Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Reves Mr. John Toscas success! Mr. and Mrs. Brad Leffler in honor Mr. and Mrs. Lew Moorman Mr. and Mrs. William Reynolds Mrs. Lorraine S. Tramel of Kirsten Leffler Ms. Julia R. Morris Ms. Marilyn Riggs Mr. Andrew Trautman

Fall 2014 27 Special thanks to the following contributors for their Gifts gifts to Mended Hearts and Mended Little Hearts from the from June 7, 2014 through August 22, 2014 Heart inMemory of Rodney Adams Noah Tilghman Mended Hearts Chapter 294, Aiken, SC Mended Hearts Chapter 162, Hayward, CA Phil Brown George Wall Frank and Mary O’Rourke Judith Hyatt Jeff, Tricia and Jessica Tumarkin Stanton Bringer Dorothy, David and Vicki Bringer Carol Sue Collingsworth in Lieu Mended Hearts Chapter 294, Aiken, SC of reimbursement Ray Collins William “Bill” Carter Mended Hearts Chapter 51, Zanesville, OH Richard “Rick” Morin William Constantine Fredonia B. Williams Mended Hearts Chapter 294, Aiken, SC Doris Cowfer Mended Hearts Chapter 294, Aiken, SC National Day Annette Crevier of Giving Debra Kelley-Kennedy See list on pages 26-27 Gregoria (Norma) Dinnsen Kathleen Briscoe Dave Evans Mary Amato Eva Jaeger Memorial Educational Fund Glenn Fretts Anna Amato Mended Hearts Chapter 294, Aiken, SC Margo Hogan Mended Hearts Chapter 161, Hollywood, FL general Donations Joseph Lumpkin Eugene and Wilma Becker Mended Hearts Chapter 294, Aiken, SC Alma G. Delatorre via United Way – Metro Chicago Employee David Nash Campaign David and Sharla Myers Laurel Dodgion Charlie Perrier Suzanne Galvanek via AT&T United Way Employee Giving Mended Hearts Chapter 294, Aiken, SC Campaign Gabriel Rodriguez Nancy W. Gibson Power Advocate Inc. Dorothea E. Ilg Joseph M. Schrotz Bill Schramer via YourCause, LLC Trustee for Pacific Gas and Louis Vitola Electric Company/Employee Giving Virginia Christine Smith Alice Seward Albert and Gloria Dornbusch Mona Silvey via United Way of Delaware Ziggy Stampfl Mended Hearts Chapter 161, Hollywood, FL John and Alice Zemlok Jack R. Steinmetz Margaret O’Drain

28 Fall 2014 Tita Hutchens memorial fund... IN MEMORY OF: Bill Crossland Savannah Pritchett Rhonda Loar Tina Prichett Steven and Anita Robison Julie Reves Birthday! Catherine Huff Scott and Amy Brewer Travis and Gina Smalts Mr. and Mrs. John N. Harkey Students and Staff of Forgan School Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Hughes John Wells Ben A. Johnston Bob Case Caleb Setzer Bonnie Hurley Maximiliano Rodriguez Rusin Maciorowski & Friedman, Ltd. William Service Bravery Bag donations... Mended Hearts Chapter 40, Stockton, CA Laurie Card Virginia Christine Smith Jonathan Lebowitz James and Emily Cresswell Law Offices of Campbell DeLong, LLP Ronald White general Donations... Jack R. Steinmetz (Oakland Chapter) Nate Baumberger Phyllis Dale Birds of Prey: Ravens Nest 23

IN HONOR/CELEBRATION OF: Mike Brady Parrish Auzenne and Clesi Tilley Juanita Cepeda Jennifer Diner Patrick “Kelly” Cunningham Christina Bell Alice English-Hill Deborah Bell Britney Ewan-Rabbai through the Thirty One Gifts Fundraiser Nadia Grafton William Kennedy Peggy J. Getty Martin and Seibert, L.C. Justus Harris Rhonda Ford Jaime McClain – for AJ Nora-Ann Lopez Julie Reves through her Birthday Fundraiser! Jennifer Contenta Truist Ganyn Mears Jared Smith Heather Noland Heather Underwood via Milliedot Sean and Aimee Pritchard Roberta Miller Kimberly Younger

To make a tax-deductible The Mended Hearts, Inc. Mended Little Hearts Or contribute online gift to Mended Hearts or 8150 N. Central Expwy., 8150 N. Central Expwy., using your credit card at Mended Little Hearts, send M2248, Dallas, TX 75206 M2248, Dallas, TX 75206 www.mendedhearts.org a check or money order to:

Some members have found that leaving a gift to Mended Hearts or Mended Little Hearts in their will is a Planned Giving: meaningful and personal way to support the objectives of Mended Hearts or Mended Little Hearts. The process can Consider a Gift to Mended Hearts or be as simple and easy as discussing the matter with your estate planner or attorney. Here’s some suggested language: Mended Little Hearts “I give, devise and bequeath the sum of XX dollars to The Mended Hearts, Inc. or Mended Little Hearts, to be used in Your Will for the support of heart patients in accordance with its charitable purposes.”

Fall 2014 29 Local Mended Hearts and Mended Little Hearts Members Visit Med Flight 1 at Chesterfield, Va., Airport

By Joe Shocket

aturday, May 17, 2014 was a gorgeous spring day, perfect for the annual ice cream social for the Mended Little Hearts, parents and membersS of Mended Hearts Chapter 28 Central Virginia. Previously, Lt. Greg Jones spoke about Med Flight 1 (emergency medical transport) at Chapter 28’s January meeting and before he left Jones invited the members to come out to Chesterfield County Airport and see the Med Flight 1 helicopters. The Chapter accepted and decided to combine the viewing with the annual ice cream social for Mended Little Hearts of Richmond, Va. The Virginia State Police Aviation unit has three bases of operation: Abingdon in far southwest Virginia, Lynchburg, and Chesterfield, just south of Richmond. Members and families were met at the airport by Sgt. Shawn Rivard of the Virginia landing by one of the units which had visited a local shopping State Police, who gave an informative tour of the center in the morning. This gave everyone an opportunity to headquarters building. Since the Med Flight 1 unit members meet the helicopter crewmembers, Chesterfield Fire Fighter/ are on call 24 hours a day when they’re on duty, the building Paramedics Frank Chinn and Don Noble. Following Sgt. contains sleeping quarters as well as community space and Rivard’s presentation, the Mended Little Hearts members were office space. In the hangar on display were three helicopters, invited onboard the helicopters for an up close and personal including one broken down for maintenance, and one look at these beautiful machines. propeller airplane. In addition to transporting accident victims After more than a few photographs (the cameras were out to area hospitals, Med Flight 1 also participates in law in full force and going strong), the group enjoyed ice cream enforcement activities and search and rescue. treats. Many thanks for the great job and important service As the group stood in the hangar viewing the helicopters provided by Med Flight 1 unit members, including Sgt. Rivard and listening to Sgt. Rivard speak on the Med Flight 1 and Chesterfield Fire Fighter/Paramedics Frank Chinn and program, they were fortunate to see an actual helicopter Don Noble!

30 Fall 2014 Giant Creative Strategy Giant Creative Output @ 100% Bleed: 8.75"w x 11.25"h Trim: 8.25”w x 10.75”h 7.375"w Live: x 10"h Colors: 4CP + Colors: GILPT11284 PRINT WINTER HB PATIENT AD

Speak from the NOT live/trim_DO PRINT heart about your angina

“With my new treatment plan, I feel like the old me is back.”

Teddy, angina patient

If you have been limiting your work or your activities because of your chronic angina, be sure to talk about it with your cardiologist.

For tips on how to talk with your cardiologist, information about living better with angina, and support and stories from real angina patients—including Teddy—visit www.SpeakFromTheHeart.com.

Your cardiologist is listening

D19528_3a_Teddy.indd 11.04.2013 133 linescreen A18897x02F_300ucr.tif jn The Mended Hearts, Inc. Non-Profit 8150 N. Central Expwy., M2248 U.S. Postage Paid Dallas, Texas 75206-1859 Permit No. 4 Long Prairie, MN

Compassion. Hope. Mended Hearts Encouragement.

Mended Hearts has built a strong national reputation for being a “friend in need” to thousands of heart patients nationwide for more than 60 years. We’re now building on that reputation to take Mended Hearts farther than it has ever gone before.

Starting now, Mended Hearts will broaden the organization’s outreach as we seek to expand the impact of everything we do. We will be reaching out to hospitals at the corporate level; operating independently but in collaboration with national healthcare associations; and strengthening the bonds between the national organization, our regional leadership and our individual chapters and our Mended Little Hearts groups.

These are ambitious goals, and they will be the focus of everything we do as we take our first steps into this bright new future. We strive to make Mended Hearts more vital than ever to the heart patients we serve nationwide!

To find out more about our program and how our organization could benefit you or your family, please call 1.888.HEART99 (1.888.432.7899), or go to www.mendedhearts.org A Bold New Direction for Mended Hearts