Almost Famous

I’m pretty much famous at this point after completing my second career radio interview and turning down a television appearance.

My first radio interview was live. When I learned that it would be aired live, I wondered if the people at the radio station would have made a different call if they’d known how awkward and inappropriate I can be. Fortunately, I was able to keep my internal dialogue to myself and successfully stuck to the subject at hand. The interview took place in October and was intended to raise awareness for the American Heart Association Heart Walk. Overall, I felt pretty good about it…probably because I never actually heard it afterwards.

My second radio interview was pre-recorded to allow for editing before being aired. Because of this, I was relaxed about it and was therefore completely unprepared. I’m pretty sure it was a hot mess and am crossing my fingers for some pretty serious editing. The good news for me (bad news for the cause) is that it will air at 6am tomorrow (Sunday), during which time no person of sound mind will be listening. The bad news is that it will be available online by Monday. If I find the recording to be less embarrassing than I currently anticipate, I'll post a link here for all to enjoy. The point of this interview was to raise awareness of Go Red For Women’s National Wear Red Day, which takes place on Friday, February 3 [click here to see photos from last year]. Please wear as much red as possible that day and tell everyone you know why you are dressed up like a giant dot-free ladybug. The goal of Go Red For Women is frankly to stop the killing – heart disease is the #1 killer of women in this country, and it doesn’t have to be.

The television appearance could have been my big break, but unfortunately I’ll be out of town on business the day of the taping. Was I going to be on Ellen? No. The Today Show? Not so much. After all, I’m no Bionic Bride! It was to be an interview with a local tv station that I think has a reach of roughly 17 people in the central New Jersey area. Like I said, could’ve been big.

Remarkably, amid this media firestorm and inescapable jungle of paparazzi, I was also interviewed for an article to be included in the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital magazine. I always like to recognize the fine folks at RWJUH (except for that one guy that tried to kill me) for the multitude of times they saved my life. If my captivity-driven moodiness (and stench) and unladylike management of the gowns wasn’t enough to fully express my gratitude, I’m sure seeing their names in print (in smaller font than mine) will make up the difference. During this interview, I was also asked if I was willing to be photographed for both the article and potentially future marketing materials…including billboards. That’s right. Soon the fine people of New Jersey may be unable to escape my prematurely wrinkled and unnaturally pale face.

They’ll probably just mistake me for Kate Hudson.

Seven Months Ago Today...

Seven months ago today was National Wear Red Day for the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women movement. In keeping with my recent timeliness, I want to FINALLY share some awesome pictures from that day! In my defense, my good friend (to remain nameless…) took the great office pictures on February 4 and promptly suffered HTWTCA (How-To-Work-The-Camera-Amnesia), so I only received them a few weeks ago when her fabulous husband took matters into his own hands!

I was traveling by air on the big day back in February, which provided a captive audience for my awareness efforts. I had the lady in the window seat pinned in for a good two hours. I didn’t lay my whole story on her, but I did take the opportunity to [briefly] tell her about Go Red for Women and why it’s important to me.

My Go Red Outfit

Meanwhile, back at the office… I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves. I think it's clear that these are some good friends!! (More pictures in photo album page.)

My good buddy Sean ended up staying home sick from work that day. However, thanks to his dedicated friendship (and probably the larger factor – his crazy competitive nature), he rocked his red outfit for the camera before conking out for the day.

Rico went Red remotely too! (Can't get the photo to work...)

And my wonderful cousin Emily dressed her precious little girls up in red for the occasion. Aren’t they sweet?!!

Thanks to all!

Also, mark your calendars: The American Heart Association Central NJ Heart Walk is on October 1. Click here to sign up to walk with our team (WE GOT THE BEAT) or click here to make a donation to this important cause. All support is appreciated!!

This Friday Is National Wear Red Day!

This Friday (2/4/11) is not only the day that I fly south in search of warmer weather (and people who want to buy what I sell) – it’s also National Wear Red Day! This special day takes place on the first Friday of February each year to raise awareness of heart disease being the #1 killer of women and to raise funds to further the fight against heart disease.

I’ll be rocking my red and screaming my story (as usual!) and ask that you join me. Would you commit to telling at least two people some simple facts on Friday? Spreading information is the first step in fighting heart disease! For the record, I already have one friend that essentially converted her office into a heart disease awareness center (you da man, Dawn!) and another (to remain anonymous) who has promised to wear red undies – can you top these guys?! I would LOVE to see some fun/crazy “I wore red and_________________” stories in the comments! (For those technically-impaired, e-mail me and I will post the goods myself!)

FAST FACTS

• Heart disease is the #1 killer of women.
• More women die from cardiovascular disease than from the next four causes of death combined – including all forms of cancer.
• A woman dies from cardiovascular disease every minute.
• Only 1 in 5 women believes heart disease is her greatest health threat.

KNOW THE SYMPTOMS

Since my end-stage heart failure was originally misdiagnosed, spreading awareness of symptoms is particularly important to me so that people can advocate for themselves in the future. My story could have been very different if I had recognized my symptoms.

Heart Failure

• Shortness of breath, especially while lying flat
• Swelling due to fluid retention (often in the legs and other limbs, mine first showed up in my abdomen)
• Increased heart rate
• Tiredness, fatigue; persistent coughing or wheezing; lack of appetite, nausea

Heart Attack

• Chest discomfort (pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain)
• Upper body discomfort (one or both arms, back, neck, jaw, stomach)
• Shortness of breath
• Cold sweat, nausea; lightheadedness

I am so grateful for all of the support thus far in joining the fight against heart disease and driving awareness of organ donation. I hope you will join me in wearing red on Friday! For more information, go to www.goredforwomen.org.

GO RED!