Survivor urges public to wear red Friday

Each February, Americans celebrate and observe matters of the heart in many ways, including with chocolate, cards, roses and St. Valentine's Day. For the American Heart Association, February is American Heart Month, a time to educate Americans about other matters of the heart. First designated in 1963, American Heart Month is a time to intensify awareness and prevention of cardiovascular disease - the leading killer of women and all Americans.

For me, February and matters of the heart take on a different meaning. I'm on my second heart. I lived with heart disease as a constant, unwelcome companion for 20 years of my life. Finally in December 2002 - after eight long months on the organ donor waiting list - I received a new heart. I joined my brother, who is also a heart transplant survivor for 18 years and counting.

I don't "look like" heart disease. I'm 44 years old. I'm a wife and mother. I'm active. My heart is not in a sling. My upper body is not in a cast, but I live with heart disease every day of my life and it does not go away.

Friday, Feb. 2, is the American Heart Association's fourth annual National Wear Red Day for Women. One day a year, what you wear truly is a matter of life and death. As a New Jersey resident and American Heart Association Go Red for Women survivor ambassador, I urge all women, businesses, towns, schools, and people from all walks of life to "go red" and wear something red. Help us shine a big, bright, red light on the No. 1 killer and No. 1 health threat facing women today - heart disease.

National Wear Red Day for Women and the American Heart Association Go Red for Women movement, sponsored by Macy's, have helped awareness that heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, jump from 30 percent to 55 percent among women in only a few years. Still, nearly 14,000 New Jersey women continue to die annually from heart disease and stroke. Help us continue the progress. Wear something red on Feb. 2. Learn more about the American Heart Association Go Red for Women movement by calling (888) 594-3278.

Mae Boehm

American Heart Association

Go Red for Women

survivor ambassador

Hazlet