News Release

Contact
Suki Deen, University Relations Associate
31 Reads Way
New Castle, DE 19720
(302) 295-1164
FAX (302) 295-1137
suki.r.deen@wilmu.edu

Go Red for Women Luncheon and Fashion Show a Great Success

February 1, 2008—Dover, DE. 700 men and women arrived dressed in red to support the 6th Annual Go Red for Women Luncheon and Fashion Show, hosted by the American Heart Association, on Friday February 1, 2008. The Go Red for Women Luncheon is held every year as a social and educational event designed to encourage women to focus on heart health, increase awareness and promote heart research. This year the event was held at the Sheraton Dover Hotel on North DuPont Highway. Wilmington University was proud to be a silver sponsor of the event as well as provide a multi-media presentation and video designed by students in their Information Technology and Advanced Communications program.

Dr. Jack P. Varsalona, President of Wilmington University as well as other University staff, attended the event dressed in red to support the American Heart Association. Assistant to the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Cheryl Rocha, participated in the fashion show as a Go Red model. Rocha is a member of the Kent County American Heart Association Walk Committee.

"I decided to get involved so I could share my successful heart surgery story with other women, " said Rocha, "I wanted to let them know that sometimes women are brushed aside by doctors because their heart condition can not be detected. I knew my body better then anyone else and I knew that heart disease was the number one killer in women."

Heart disease has touched Rocha's life since the age of 13. After both of her grandfathers passed away from heart attacks, she too began noticing heart irregularities. "I can remember running track in school and my heart feeling like it was going to come out of my chest with sharp pains and palpitations," remembers Rocha. Through the years she remembers feeling dizzy and tired all the time, she would feel her heart palpitating without any warning or physical exertion. Finally after many years of doctor's telling her nothing was wrong, she was diagnosed with Mitral Valve Prolapse with Supraventricular Tachycardia, a condition that affects the mitral valve of the heart.

All Go Red models are people who have had their lives affected by heart disease, or people who are active volunteers for the American Heart Association. Each model had their own story to tell and helped to inspire women to be concerned about heart health.

Mary Merritt, Regional Vice President Small and Mid-Metros East of the American Heart Association thanked all the guests, chairs, sponsors, exhibitors, committee members and models for participating in the event. "The Go Red for Women Luncheon was a smashing success," Said Merritt, "There was a great time had by all and the mission of the American Heart Association, to inform a significant number of Kent County women to take charge of their health, was certainly accomplished."

Eight million American women are currently living with heart disease and the disease is the leading cause of death of women in this country.

To get involved with the American Heart Association find your local office at www.americanheart.org

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