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Sweethearts presented during Heart Ball The American Heart Association’s 39th Annual Oklahoma City Heart Ball is Saturday, Feb. 29, at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. The Heart Ball raises money for cardiovascular research and programs to improve the health of the community. This year’s Heart Ball features giving “The Gift of Time” and includes a silent and live auction, dinner and dancing. The event is emceed by Hollywood actor Rex Linn. Auction items include a seven-night Turks & Caicos vacation, a portrait session and stay at the fabulous Pierre Hotel in New York City and much more! “We are beyond excited for this year’s Heart Ball,” said event director Trish Winters. “This year’s event will highlight some of the successes by the American Heart Association in our great state along with some amazing auction items you are not going to believe. All to benefit the American Heart Association and the extraordinary mission to be a relentless for a world of longer, healthier lives. The event also includes presentation of the 2019-20 Sweetheart Class. Sweethearts are area high school students who participate in education programs, community service and leadership opportunities with the American Heart Association throughout the school year. The Sweetheart program was created to help raise awareness of the No. 1 killer of Americans, heart disease. The American Heart Association is funding over $1 million in research in the state of Oklahoma alone. The work done by the American Heart Association is making a difference in our state. To contribute to the mission of the American Heart Association, call Trish Winters 415-3036 or visit www.heart.org/okcheartball.
About the cover: Sweetheart Lily Plaster won the honor of being featured on our cover for raising the most Open Your Heart money for the 2020 Heart Ball. She is a Heritage Hall student and the daughter of Kent and Sharmi Plaster.
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February is Heart Awareness Month, a time to remember that heart issues can happen to anyone at any age. It's also a time for hope—a time to consider the myriad ways a person can improve their health, bounce back from past illnesses, and step into a more vibrant future. At Concordia Life Plan Community, wellness, and heart-healthy activities are part of the everyday fabric. Concordia's holistic approach to health incorporates seven realms of wellness—emotional, environmental, intellectual, vocational, physical, social and spiritual. No matter a person's interest, there's a place for them. From high energy boxing classes to yoga to personalized one-on-one training, health is for everyone. To complement this, Concordia also offers locally sourced, heart-healthy food crafted by a professionally trained culinary team. Concordia's support of the American Heart Association is deep. Concordia has participated in the Heart Walk and the F.A.S.T. stroke awareness campaign. In 2018, residents crocheted and donated 300 hats to survivors of all ages as part of the AHA's "Little Hats, Big Hearts" program. Concordia also has a personal connection to the AHA. The five people highlighted in the following pages have experienced significant heart-related issues but have overcome them and found ways to lead happier, healthier lives.
Name: Clyde Buchanan, Resident Story: When Clyde was 56 years old, he had a quadruple bypass. During surgery, the doctors discovered substantial blockage and brittle arteries. He was told he would likely live for only seven years after the procedure. Instead, Clyde began living a healthier lifestyle and found creative outlets for his passions. Today: Clyde is an active member at Concordia. He began the Music and Memory program where he makes personalized music playlists for residents with dementia and Alzheimer's. Clyde attends Concordia's workout classes regularly and enjoys walking and engaging with others.
Name: Beverly Langley, Resident Story: When Beverly was a young girl, she caught Scarlet fever, which she believed weakened her heart. She also lived with an irregular heartbeat. In June 2012 Beverly had a heart valve replacement, and in 2018 she had a stint put in. Today: Beverly considers herself a very active person. She leads a watercolor class at Concordia, volunteers for the nonprofit, VillagesOKC, and exercises regularly in Concordia's wellness center. She watches her diet and dines at Concordia every day.
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Name: Andrew Thompson, Culinary Team Member Story: In 2013 Andrew had an unexpected heart attack. Doctors gave him a stint to open a blockage, but in September 2017 when he was just 36, Andrew had another, more severe heart attack which resulted in a triple bypass where doctors discovered he had a congenitally malformed heart. Today: Andrew works to maintain a healthy lifestyle. His coworkers and friends hold him accountable and encourage him to eat healthy and stay active. During his health ordeal, Andrew's coworkers pulled together to support him, donating PTO, gift cards, and meals. Since then, Andrew has lost 30 pounds and goes to the heart hospital gym three times a week to exercise and walks, at minimum, two miles a day.
Name: Margaret Swanson, Resident Story: In 2014 Margaret was diagnosed with A Fib (Atrial Fibrillation) and heart failure. After her treatment she began a medical regimen and visits her doctor regularly for checkups. Today: Margaret enjoys participating in an array of activities such as playing bridge and penuckle. She's a member of Concordia's Ladies Auxiliary and attends a workout class at Concordia twice a week.
Name: Mary Rogers, Resident Story: In July 2019 Mary began experiencing chest pains and had difficulty breathing. After visiting the heart hospital, she discovered that she had a leaky mitral valve. She had a successful procedure and has felt much better since. Today: After her procedure, Mary enjoyed the resources and cardiac rehab her heart hospital provided her. She continues her exercise regime at Concordia by using the NuStep, a recumbent cross trainer.
There’s a place for you at Concordia! To experience a community that prioritizes health, wellness and vitality, call (405) 546-2324.
7707 W Britton Rd Oklahoma City, OK 73132 Phone: (405) 546-2324 Nichols Hills & NW OKC Community Magazine 5
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Kelsie Aparicio
Averi Axton
Breland Bach
Hannah Bernstein
Lindsay Best
Evelyn Boggs
Bella Brown
Chloe Brown
Ellie Buckelew
Estelle Clark
McKenna Daly
Elora Dasovich-Leahy
Claire Duginski
Darbee Green
Emery Hammond
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Hallie Harned
Allison Jones
Ashley Hill
Katie Koch
Iman Khan
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Kampbell Kopera
Allie Lathrop
Katie Kramer
Annika Lynn
Isabella Lubert
Sally Lytle
Olivia McCasland
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Jenson McPherson
Aspen Minihan
Meg Miller
Avery Nield
Molly Mullins
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Lily Plaster
Rylee Richardson
Julia Reynolds
Stella Scaramucci
Olivia Ross
Georgia Seres
Mary Ellen Showalter
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Grace Sigmon
Elizabeth Sullivan
Olivia Stenseth
Kate Walker
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ECEC fãxxà{xtÜàá 9 g{x|Ü ctÜxÇàá Kelsie Aparicio Daughter of Antonio and Holly Aparicio
Hallie Harned Daughter of Aaron and E'Shaina Harned
Aspen Minihan Daughter of David and Lisa Minihan
Averi Axton Daughter of Clay and Erin Axton
Ashley Hill Daughter of David and Shannon Hill
Molly Mullins Daughter of Rick and Lisa Mullins
Breland Bach Daughter of Steve and Laurel Bach
Allison Jones Daughter of Dr. Daniel and Aimee Jones
Avery Nield Daughter of Jim and Susan Nield
Hannah Bernstein Daughter of David and Sherry Bernstein
Iman Khan Daughter of Drs. Nyla and Faisal Khan
Lily Plaster Daughter of Kent and Sharmi Plaster
Lindsay Best Daughter of Todd and Dia Best
Katie Koch Daughter of Russ and Mary Anne Koch
Julia Reynolds Daughter of Joe Reynolds and Sheli Stenseth
Evelyn Boggs Daughter of Dr. David and Camille Boggs
Kampbell Kopera Daughter of David and Robyn Kopera
Rylee Richardson Daughter of Trey and Jeri Richardson
Bella Brown Daughter of Matt and Kristen Brown
Katie Kramer Daughter of Dr. Mitchell and Janice Kramer
Olivia Ross Daughter of Frank and Amy Sewell
Chloe Brown Daughter of Todd and Annette Brown
Allie Lathrop Daughter of James and Katie Lathrop
Stella Scaramucci Daughter of Todd and Melissa Scaramucci
Ellie Buckelew Daughter of Dan and Emily Buckelew
Isabella Lubert Daughter of Scott and Kimi Lubert
Georgia Seres Daughter of Dr. Kenneth Seres and Dr. Donna Seres
Estelle Clark Daughter of Coleman and Melissa Clark
Annika Lynn Daughter of James and Catherine Lynn
Mary Ellen Showalter Daughter of Dr. Thomas and Heather Showalter
McKenna Daly Daughter of Dr. Timothy and Trisha Daly
Sally Lytle Daughter of Jeff and Suzy Lytle
Grace Sigmon Daughter of Dr. Clay and Jessica Sigmon
Elora Dasovich-Leahy Granddaughter of W. Jeffrey and Sally Dasovich
Olivia McCasland Daughter of Lance and Veronica McCasland
Olivia Stenseth Daughter of Phil and Genia Stenseth
Claire Duginski Daughter of Charles and Robyn Duginski
Jenson McPherson Daughter of The Late Jason McPherson and Greg and Jennifer Blair
Elizabeth Sullivan Daughter of Dr. Steven and Veronica Sullivan
Darbee Green Daughter of David and Darra Green Emery Hammond Daughter of Mark and Marci Hammond
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Meg Miller Daughter of Mark and Traci Miller
Kate Walker Daughter of John and Julie Walker
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More Heart Association upcoming events Thursday, April 9 4:40 p.m. registration, 5:30 p.m. ride Ride With Us CycleNation is helping your community take control of brain and heart health. Each event has a minimum fundraising goal per team and the impact when you ride will make you feel all the feels. CycleBar — Chislom Creek For more information, call 1866 4309255 or email swacn@heart.org. Thursday, May 14, 68 p.m. Go Red For Women Party With a Purpose Don't miss this evening of fun, fashion and food. OKC Farmer’s Market, 311 S. Klein Ave. Saturday, May 30, 810:30 a.m. 2020 OKC Heart & Stroke Walk Bicentennial Park, 500 Couch Dr. For more information, visit www.okcheartwalk.org.
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