The Peru Gazette

PLATTSBURGH, NY (9/2/2022) – Tickets are on sale for The Foundation of Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital’s (CVPH) “Stepping out for Your Heart” fundraiser. The eighth annual event is scheduled for Thursday, September 22 at the West Side Ballroom.

Each year, guests dressed in red attire come together for a special evening dedicated to raising funds and awareness to end heart disease and stroke for all women. Live and silent auctions, education and a heart-healthy dinner are just some of the main attractions in store for attendees.

“A healthy heart is always in style,” The Foundation Events and Special Projects Manager Michelle Senecal pointed out. “Year after year, community members step out to support the women of the North Country. You can truly learn something that may save your life or the life of a family member, friend or neighbor. At the same time, it’s a great way to help CVPH continue providing the excellent care our cardiology patients need.”

The event features two breakout education sessions to choose from:

• Chair Yoga and Focused Breathing with Jess Bouharevich from White Rainbow Farm.
• Fat and Fiber in Your Diet with Registered Dietician Marla Given.

Attendees will also hear from Teresa Frederick of West Chazy. The 53-year-old, who considers herself fit and active for her age, was shocked when she learned that she had congestive heart failure following a routine physical.

“It just was extremely scary. It scared my husband, who I’ve been with for almost 37 years, just as bad and he said, ‘I can’t lose you.’ But he’s been by my side through this whole thing. And the Cardiology team at CVPH has been amazing, making me feel like I am their most important patient whenever I’m there. The women in Cardiac Rehabilitation are the ones who inspired me to talk at the event,” Frederick offered.

Frederick will be sharing her story during the event, including what she has learned about her experience with congestive heart failure, and how speaking to your Primary Care Provider about symptoms you may be experiencing, like significant fatigue and shortness of breath, could save your life.

This year’s keynote speaker is University of Vermont Health Network-CVPH Chief of Psychology and Assistant Medical Director Aron Steward, PhD. Dr. Steward also has a private practice, ReallyBeU Health & Wellness, which focuses on trauma recovery, and she is a RISE Consultant for the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health. She will be discussing stress, mental well-being and your heart.

Tickets for “Stepping out for Your Heart” cost $65 each. There is a special senior citizen price (65 and older) of $50 each. Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.uvmhealth.org/cvphheart. Proceeds from the event will benefit the CVPH Heart Center and will directly impact the care of cardiology patients in the North Country. Last year’s fundraiser, which was held virtually, brought in $30,000.

For more information, contact Michelle Senecal at (518) 314-3359 or email her at msenecal@cvph.org.