Fashion show for St. Vincent’s raises $75,000

Clothing store Mitchells of Westport recently hosted the St. Vincent’s Medical Center Foundation”™s “Hearts Full of Spring” fourth annual fundraiser ”“ a fashion-themed show that drew more than 250 people. The event was sponsored by United Bank and raised $75,000 toward helping medically underserved and underinsured women.

From left, Mitchells Chairman Jack Mitchell; Darlene Krenz, a patron supporting the foundation; Stuart Marcus, president and CEO, St. Vincent’s Health Services; and Bill Mitchell.

The evening included personal stories from women with heart disease who brought to life the importance of recognizing the unique symptoms women experience during a cardiac event.

“I am living proof that you can survive a massive heart attack at age 35 ”“ and it’s because I knew something was wrong, even when the doctors told me I just had a case of indigestion,” said Kaki Johnson, a Mitchells employee. “I am here tonight to tell you to listen to your body and trust your instincts. Most importantly, I am here as someone who lives with heart disease who has been blessed with two decades full of amazing memories that I never thought I’d have.”

Symptoms of heart disease can include chest pains, pain in the neck, shoulder or arms, and sweating or shortness of breath. The symptoms women experience are different and are often overlooked or go unrecognized. These can include jaw pain, cold sweat or paleness, unexplained anxiety, weakness or fatigue, and mild flu-like symptoms. While symptoms in men can be triggered by physical exertion, cardiac events in women can be triggered by emotional stress.

Cardiologist Anja Wagner,  Mitchells fashion expert Mary Nicolia Daoutis and attorney Joyce Riccio co-chaired the event..

“Sadly, 50 percent of women in this country develop vascular or heart disease, but it doesn’t have to be that way,” Wagner said. “Our hope is that this event empowers women to achieve optimal heart health, with a special focus on prevention. With the funds raised tonight, we can save lives through early detection, education and intervention, and that’s what it’s all about ”“ saving lives.”

Last year”™s fundraiser allowed St. Vincents to perform more than 1,100 screenings to women in need for potentially life threatening conditions, said Dianne Auger, president of the foundation.

“Without a doubt, we are making a difference and saving lives,” she said.