2014, hello maybe?

I have learned in my years that expect the unexpected. 2013 has been an interesting year. I use to say 13 was my lucky number, maybe not! I can't say it was completely unlucky. My husband came home from Afghanistan after his 10th deployment. When he was gone, much like car problems, everything happened. I have recovered from my stroke and my family got me through. I think every week someone was here. My eyes are going. Then in September, we had a miracle. I love my family.

One of my highlights was visiting my family in SC over thanksgiving. The last time I saw many of them was my Daddy's funeral and unfortunately because my Grandpa passed the same night as my Mom in 2004, ironic, no one could make it. Past the little pity I just had, we Pembertons rallied. I think it's in our genes. I am so proud of my cousins, Uncle, Nephew, Brother and Memaw. It's the land of Doctors, Nurses, Businessmen/women , military and  I frankly felt a little unaccomplished. So proud. We Moms rock too! My Aunt Robyn has done so much for the family and her children reflect everything that she gives.

So what's for me in 2014? Let's plan for a great January first. I grew a lot this year, all over :(, but I am starting over. Fresh.

Putting this out there...If I did anything to hurt you, I am sorry. I am so not perfect. Yes, my apologies have been blatantly turned down even when I have no clue what I am apologizing for but it's life. I am still sorry.

I believe in this Christmas season in love! laughter! faith and hope. I pray for us all great health in 2014.

Time to celebrate. Let the New Year begin!

My life long wish

The holidays are always filled with emotions. I am beyond blessed that we spent Thanksgiving with 18 members of my family.  This included my Memaw.  Dec 18 is her birthday and Dec 22 would have been my Moms.

This made me think of my favorite Christmas movie, " Miracle on 34th Street". Yes, before "Hostages" Dillon McDermott was so nice. Lol. ( I also have all the earlier versions!) 

So I have made my own Christmas list.  I also love Amy Grant so I am borrowing my Grownup. Christmas list from her

Love

Laughter

Acceptance

Understanding

Forgiveness

Understanding 

And maybe we van throw in a Gibson, some 3 carrot ( lol) earrings and three chords and the truth for good measure.

Happy Happy Happy Holidays! 

Be blessed

D

Heart Walk 2013

I have been so blessed to work for the American Heart Association and volunteer for them also. 13 years and many events later, I volunteered at Heart walk yesterday! The great part about being a survivor is when develop a family within it. You're the Cure is an arm of that. A rather hefty one that does so much on the hill so I was thrilled to see Jennifer Witten yesterday. I also got to catch up with one of my favorite people, fellow survivor and amazing fundraiser, Senator Frank Shore. He calls me his QUEEN of Hearts. How can I not love that!

The GWR Heart walk raised close to 1.3 million this year and the walk on the National Mall was amazing. I was really excited for the puppy depot!

Beautiful day, I survived the Metro  and got to enjoy catching up with some very special people.

Every step matters!

Here's to your heart!

Mrs Maryland America 2014

 I have done pageants for a while and I always find them to be a point of self discovery. Sometimes, not always good but I learn a lot each time and mostly about myself. I competed in Mrs Maryland America 2014 last weekend and I had a great time. I went back and forth on whether or not I should but at the end of the day I just decided to make a girls weekend out of it so I did. On Friday, Cara Cole, another military spouse, and I hit the road and checked into the hotel. Jessica, another contestant also shared our room and it reminded me a bit of a college day slumber party. We all three have children so it was Mom's night out!

Orientation was fun and we gave out our contestants gifts. I loved all of mine and a common theme was the gift of wine and some homemade(thank you Alyssa!). Thank you to SKINN Cosmetics for supplying my gifts of beauty!!!! All of the ladies received a sponsored gift by SKINN. (www.skinncosmetics.com).

We stayed up after orientation, rehearsal and dinner until 1am in the morning just talking! We may have cracked into some wine too. It was so much fun. The next day was rehearsal, interview and finals. All of the ladies rocked it and when top 5 was called, I was honored to be among them!

I placed second runner up, photogenic winner and interview winner. I was so happy and still am! Congrats to Zereana Jess Huff, your new Mrs Maryland America 2014. She is an Ovarian Cancer Survivor, a beautiful lady and will rock it at Mrs America.

I have to say the ladies were ALL just amazing. Thank you for the smiles!

My heart smiles because of you~

Deanna Maria

 

Legacy

Legacy precedes us. Some in greatness and some in shame. We cant shape those before us but sometimes we sit in admiration. I am a Pemberton. What does that mean? I am not sure at times except we don't invest well. We are all very smart. A history of doctors, chemist and amazing people.

So as history is told, and before anyone gets confused my family lost it all, but yes we are the Pemberton's that created Coca Cola. I personally lived in Atlanta until 7th grade. OK so it was a drug when it was created but I am still addicted.

I wish I had that genius gene but as I always talk so negative at times, we did make history so lets have a Coke and a smile:)

Bella's Story

Bella

 

Isabella Lillian Linz

Born April 19, 2006

At Portsmouth Naval Hospital

 

Bella became very ill her second of life and was given a diagnosis

of VLCAD by the Virginia State Newborn Screen

 

For more information contact:

Carrie & Tom Linz

814-573-1636

Carrielinz@hotmail.com

 

A muscle biopsy determined Bella has VLCAD-C the most severe form of VLCAD

Very Long Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency - VLCAD

VLCAD deficiency is a rare genetic inherited fatty-acid oxidation disorder that is characterized by cardiomyopathy, fatty liver, skeletal myopathy, pericardial effusions, ventricular arrhythmias, and sudden death. The condition prevents the body from converting certain fats to energy, particularly during periods without food (fasting). People with this condition have inadequate levels of an enzyme that metabolizes a group of fats called very long-chain fatty acids. These children are also at risk of serious complications such as liver abnormalities and life-threatening heart problems.

1.	Avoid going a long time without food Children with VLCAD must eat frequently to maintain their energy level and prevent a metabolic crisis. Bella requires a G-tube to receive calories throughout the night while sleeping.
2.	Diet A low fat, high carbohydrate, high protein diet is recommended. Carbohydrates give the body many types of sugar that can be used as energy. Most food in the diet should be carbohydrates (bread, pasta, fruit, etc.) and protein (lean meat and low-fat dairy foods).
3.	MCT oil and L-carnitine Medium Chain Triglyceride oil (MCT oil) is often used as part of the food plan for people with VLCAD. This special oil has medium chain fatty acids that can be used in small amounts for energy.  Some children may be helped by taking L-carnitine. This is a safe and natural substance that helps the body make energy. Bella is currently participating in a FDA trial of Triheptanoin. Triheptanoin is a triglyceride that is composed of three seven-carbon fatty acids. These odd-carbon fatty acids are able to provide anaplerotic substrates for the TCA cycle.
4.	Call your doctor at the start of any illness Immediate medical assistance should be sought if the following symptoms are observed: poor appetite        low energy        vomiting            Reddish-brown urine        a fever       muscle aches & weakness Children with VLCAD need to eat extra starchy food and drink more fluids during any illness - even if they may not feel hungry - or they could develop hypoglycemia or a metabolic crisis. When they become sick, children with VLCAD often need to be treated in the hospital to prevent serious health problems.
5.	Avoid prolonged exercise or exertion. Long periods of exercise can also trigger symptoms. If muscle symptoms happen, prompt treatment is needed to prevent kidney damage. Children with muscle symptoms should: drink fluids right away eat something starchy or sugary get to a hospital for treatment VLCAD Children can commonly experience episodes of illness called metabolic “crises”, periods when their bodies become toxic, and break down muscle.  Once started, metabolic crises usually cannot be reversed w/o medical intervention.  Early signs of crises: Extreme lethargy, Behavior changes/Irritable moods & poor appetite. Bella is prone to Rhabdomyolysis , a condition in which muscle tissue breaks down rapidly.  Breakdown products of muscle cells are released into the bloodstream; some of these, such as the protein myoglobin, are harmful to the kidneys and may lead to kidney failure.  Some symptoms may include muscle pains, vomiting and confusion.   The mainstay of treatment is generous quantities of intravenous fluids. Bella also struggles with increased CPK.  Creatine phosphokinase (CPK) is an enzyme that can be found in the heart, brain and skeletal muscle. A high level of CPK is not a good sign and is an indicator of heart attacks, strokes and other serious diseases. A level above 250 is considered abnormal. Her highest CPK was over 69,000. The 2013 has been a difficult year for Bella.  She has been in the hospital 8 times already this year.  Bella enjoys being as active as her body allows, but unfortunately her specialists have had to put her on limited activity.  Although Bella qualified for States in Gymnastics in early 2013, due to her VLCAD and increased hospital stays, the doctors were not able to let her compete and have told Bella as of now she can no longer participate in Gymnastics.  Bella is scheduled to return to Oregon Health and Science University Hospital for more research testing.  Doctors are hoping to learn valuable information from her to benefit children in the future.  After her stay in Oregon, Bella will return to Pittsburgh Children’s hospital for more testing and an opportunity to participate in another form of treatment.

 

 

                                                                

Additional Research or Information:

www.fodsupport.org

www.gemssforschools.org/conditions/vlcad

www.newbornscreening.info/Parents/fattyaciddisorders/VLCAD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carters Story

Its taken me 4 and a half years to really grasp all of this. I always wanted to seem strong, ok, immortal. Its been told that God does not give you anything you can't handle. I've had a lot of one on one internal conversations and sometimes feel like there just isn't an answer. I was not "young" when Andy and I married. Lord knows when you hit 30 there is a flashing light that goes off when you go into the OB GYN office that screams...halt...rotten eggs...warning warning! I find it interesting that we spend so much time early on trying not to get preggers and then when you want to its planned, positioned :), prayed for and then it still does not happen or there are complications. What is up with that???????

Past the I do's, we never tried not to get pregnant. Granted a few year long deployments caused some complications, something's the USPS probably does not want to ship, we got pregnant. A few times. Actually 4. Each time ,always with a bad outcome. Sorry International (actually not:) but it seemed like Chitown was our lucky town. Ironic. It did give me the biggest title of all, Mom. My prince!

When we found out we were expecting again, honestly I just took it as great, here we go again. We did all the genetic testing, we prayed, we hoped and every time we went in they did an ultrasound. I was high risk so it just was the process. I got use to the tech walking out and the doctor walking back in with the "I'm sorry" look. We had been told I may never carry.

I went through a breast cancer scare in 2004, I was not 20, we had already had multiple losses. This was before my heart attack and stent placement. Stress and genetics. I am a faulty vessel.  

As the weeks passed, we just continued to pray and hope. My first scare was Halloween 2008. I went to NNMC because I felt pressure. I did not look pregnant at all and the ER doc thought I was crazy but after verification he was like well you are pregnant, no kidding, but I'm sure your just over sensitive. This coming from Doggie Houser.  So we pushed forward. We received a call on the way to PA for Thanksgiving that it was a boy (amniotic fluid from genetic testing. My niece has vcad). It looked promising.

We went back to PA for Christmas and New Years. At this point I was 21 weeks (ish). I am a stress person and just was. Driving back to Maryland, again, I just felt to pressure. We went to National Naval Medical Center upon arrival. I remember sitting there. Nervous. They took me back and I was dilated. I was not allowed to get up from the bed. At that point life changed forever.

I sat there, or laid in my new upside down elevated position on Magnesium and meds for Carters lungs just panicked. I was alone. Andy was there but in and out and I was just scared out of my mind.

First came the Grimm reapers, the neonatologist, who tell you nothing but every bad acronym, how your child will never survive, how you should have a c-section because he's not viable and by the way, please sign this DNR. Really....NO.

Its so easy in the med field to just see a patient and not see a name. There was a heart beat. I would lay there for as long as I needed. At this point my head was in dreadlocks because, of course, I was allergic to the magnesium and I was scratching so much.

I was there for a few days and for whatever reason, still unknown, they took us off the monitor. Andy went home to take the pups out. I was looking for him in my drugged state and went to try to find him on the pull out bed next to mine and laid down. The nurse woke me up and Andy had just come back. It was that point that it all just changed. Something was wrong.

Besides the immense pain, what I remember is the doctor telling me not to push and you better tell them to run. Them being the neonatologist. We didn't sign the DNR and said to them if he comes out fighting, fight for him. Carter arrived at 3:18am weighing 1 lb 6 oz and 12 inches on January 2, 2009. 23 weeks and when they were intubating him, he pinched them. My fighter.

I love my husband and people do the best they can do but it was a lonely time. I just missed my parents but thank goodness for the family I do have.

Carter spent 165 days in the NICU. I was there everyday. Many times we were told he wont make it through the night, especially after his heart surgery. Three particular times were just horrible 48 hours.

I always told him, you fight for me I will ALWAYS FIGHT FOR YOU. We sang way to much to him LOL and yes a Steeler dressed SMURF was always at his bedside.

We were told Carter would be non responsive, blind, on a trach and basically in a vegetative state for his whole life.

Carter had heart surgery, ROP surgery, a nissen, Gtube placement, laryngeal clef repair, chronic lung disease, cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus and is legally blind.

Today he breathes room air, can see with ever so cute glasses, does not have a shunt, is eating food, walks with a walker like a mad man and just said Momma.
MOMMA

My heart took a toll and gained so much in the process. He is my heart beat.


Miracles happen

YOU'RE THE CURE!

Building healthier lives, free of heart disease and stroke, is up to all of us. That's why I just took action on an important advocacy alert from You're the Cure, the American Heart Association's grassroots community. Will you add your voice to the fight against our nation's No. 1 and No. 4 killers too? Thanks

Log onto: www.yourethecure.org

www.heart.org

Take action and lets save lives!

So blessed to be able to advocate for such an amazing cause!

International 2013

Well I have finally arrived home and unpacked. It was an amazing 7 year journey which has come with a lot of emotions over the years. Yes, I have carried a baby and baby weight, hey it is a Mrs pageant and also been a nice size zero on other years. Its been a journey. I have learned a lot of lessons. First and foremost, never post on VOY or sign your name even when just defending yourself. I new when a judge said to me that she was not going to ask me anything about my platform because she was going to assume it was true and proceeded to ask me what movie we watched, well if there was a mulligan in pageantry, that was it. You do put your self out there to be judged so the blame I will own. I did compete against two of the judges previously so their opinions were already established. Regardless, I had an amazing time and met so many new friends. You can't control 5 people you can only control yourself. I did my best and I would do it all over again minus my rants. Yep, I will own that too. I just stand up for what I believe in and who I believe in. I have been accused of just about everything from running Voy myself to faking a heart attack to win. Really, this is true and very sad. With all of that being said, I truly can't say that the outcome would have been any different with different judges or that anyone that placed did not deserve their placement. They did. There were 70 plus of us and each lady was so impressive, beautiful, platform driven and fit. I pretty much called Amy to win but only because I know her and she is the package. Photogenic I will never be nor will I be the fitness winner and well she won every preliminary. She is also extremely well spoken. I am ok with the outcome. The International system is one that will always be a part of my heart and their queens do amazing things. The staff make it even more special!

I am moving forward and looking up. Your destiny is determined by your actions and reactions. Moving forward with happy but boy I wish I could rewind the last 8 mos.

Congrats to all of the ladies. International Love should be a song for the production crew in the future. Truly and forever.

Lawyers Have Heart

I was so honored to have been asked to sing the National Anthem last weekend in Georgetown. Their were roughly 10K participants so was I shaking, YES! I remembered the words, thank goodness but at 6:55 am, I am not sure they would book me for the Super bowl just yet.

I had such a great morning with Shannon Obrien, Miss Maryland International 2013, as we cheered on those that took on such a great challenge for a great cause. Lindsey Difaszio with AHA did a great job with the event.

Forever blessed!

D

CPR Training and a fun day with the American Heart Association! Come join us!

American Heart Association and Partners Want To Teach You How to Save Lives with CPR
(Washington, DC) — Got a minute? Then you can learn how to help save someone’s life.  During National CPR Week, the American Heart Association, DC Fire and EMS, All Heart Training, and WASH-FM  with support from DC City Council will hold a press conference and a free hands-only CPR training  to raise awareness about the critical importance of learning CPR.
Each participant in the training will receive a Family & Friends® CPR Anytime® Personal Learning Program that allows anyone to learn the core skills of CPR in just 20 minutes using their own personal kit. The kit contains everything needed to learn basic CPR, AED skills and choking relief anywhere, from the comfort of your home to a large group setting.  The American Heart Association is also seeking people to join our CPR Dance!

WASH-FM personalities Loo Katz and Chilli Amar will be on hand to emcee the event.
What: DC CPR Training Day and Press Conference
When: Thursday, June 6
Where: Freedom Plaza, Washington DC 20004

Agenda:
Freedom Plaza CPR Training
11:00am: Registration-Receive Kit – participants in the FREE CPR training must sign up for the Family & Friends® CPR Anytime® kits either onsite or through Evenbrite at: http://flashmobcprdc.eventbrite.com
11:45am: First CPR Training Session  with DC Fire and EMS
12:15pm: Surprise Entertainment - Know disco? You can save a life if you do. Get down to the song “Stayin’ Alive” and learn how to save a life! Preregister at: http://flashmobcprdc.eventbrite.com
12:30pm: Second CPR Training Session with DC Fire and EMS
1:00pm: Event end

Why: Cardiac arrests are more common than you think, and they can happen to anyone at any time.  Nearly 300,000 out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrests occur annually, and 80 percent of cardiac arrests occur at home.
·         Many victims appear healthy with no known heart disease or other risk factors.
·         Sudden cardiac arrest is not the same as a heart attack.
·         Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when electrical impulses in the heart become rapid or chaotic, which causes the heart to suddenly stop beating.
·         A heart attack occurs when the blood supply to part of the heart muscle is blocked. A heart attack may cause cardiac arrest.

Know disco? You can save a life if you do. If you see a teen or adult collapse, call 9-1-1 and push hard and fast in the center of the chest to the beat of the classic disco song “Stayin’ Alive.”

The American Heart Association is urging people to take 60 seconds to watch a Hands-Only CPR instructional video so they are equipped to act in a cardiac emergency. The video, which can be viewed at www.andsonlycpr.org  teaches the simple steps to help an adult who is in cardiac arrest. In fact, a recent study shows that just watching a short instructional CPR video greatly increases the chances that bystanders will attempt CPR.

Taking the time to watch the video is important because 70 percent of Americans have never been trained in CPR or their training has significantly lapsed. And when people lack confidence and knowledge of CPR, the odds of survival get worse for victims of cardiac arrest: Less than one-third of those victims get CPR from bystanders.

Hands-Only CPR involves two simple steps: 1. Call 9-1-1 and 2. Push hard and fast on the center of the chest until professional help arrives. The American Heart Association has endorsed Hands-Only CPR as a treatment for adult cardiac arrest victims since 2008, and studies have shown it is as effective as CPR with breaths. In addition, people who watch a brief Hands-Only CPR training video are significantly more likely to attempt CPR, according to a recent study published in the association’s scientific journal Circulation.

Hands-Only CPR is recommended for adults who suffer a cardiac arrest at home, at work or in another public location. Children under eight years old still need full CPR with chest compressions and breaths since the cause of their cardiac arrest is typically respiratory-related. For more information about CPR Week or Hands-Only CPR, visit www.handsonlycpr.org.
###
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – America’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or join us, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or any of our offices around the country, or visit heart.org.

American Heart Associations Golf event and 1st annual Women's symposium

Monday was a fun and rainy day! I really enjoyed spending the day at the Woodmont Country Club on behalf of the American Heart Association. It started early but the champion golfers did to let the mist of Mother Nature stop them from golfing for a great cause! I have been involved with this event for a few years but the big change was the 1st annual Women's symposium that was held in conjunction. ( we got to stay dry:).

There were many sessions on cooking, Zumba (done by the amazing Debi Bevins), nutrition, CPR and so much more. We were then treated to a heart healthy lunch. I have to admit, I am not a "foodie" but the raspberry sherbet was gone when I left:). Hey it is heart healthy! Michelle A Albert, MD, MPH, Professor and Chief of Cardiology at Howard University, gave an great lecture on the effects of stress and heart health. I definately paid attention!

We also heard an amazing testimonial from a fellow survivor, Andrea Woogsam.

What a great day for a great cause.

Here's to your heart!

Thank you Joe Finch. What a nice surprise and honor to know you!

Good morning Deanna

Just so you know, I sent n e-mail with a photo to a long time friend at the 25th Infantry Division association bragging about how you help the troops and have put up with Andy's 10 deployments;

He was impressed and ASKED the editors to publish the photo and my e-mail in the Tropic Lightning Division quarterly magazine "Flashes"

There were two articles in that issue of Flashes discussing the extended tour requirements endured by modern 25th ID soldiers and the difficult conditions they face in AFG

They published it and are impressed with what you do.

Here is the article and photo as it appears on page 11 of the current edition of "Flashes" .

I hope you are OK with me noting your help with the troops and that you have CDs out too.

Joe =:)

Wanted to share:

Lobby Day

What an amazing day on the hill! I had the honor of meeting with the offices of Sen Ben Cardin, Sen Barbara Mikulski, Rep Chrisopher Van Hollen (who gave an amazing speech the previous day at the rally) and Rep Donna Edwards. They were all very engaged and open to the work that the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association does and the importance of the funding for the NIH and the Million Hearts initiatiative.

Rep Christopher Van Hollen (MD) , Allison Davis, Kurt Wenzing, Jennifer Witten and myself

Rally for Medical Research and the NIH~ Lobby DAY 1

I have been volunteering, then working and advocating for the American Heart and Stroke Association for 11 years. My journey started as my Dad's, then my Mom's, my son's, then mine. Today it became so much more.

Today it started with a Rally on the Hill for the National Institute of Health to garner funds. There has been a lot that has impacted the NIH but the sequester has had a huge impact on the jobs and the US economy. The NIH has been greatly effected. So lets make a change.

I am heart patient, advocate and survivor but the the NIH does so much for so many. Cancer, diabetes,St Judes, HIV....all have been impacted and changed by the research and development of the NIH. Change is only made by the vision of those that wish to see what can't be seen yet.

I started out the day with Susan Day, a nurse from Kansas who just touched me with her spirit and kindness. I the spent the day with Christina Wooley, Mrs Oregon International 2013.  What a true spirit and beauty inside and out. She advocates for her Nana and traveled from Oregon to do so.
The Rally was amazing and inspiring. Cokie Roberts was the emcee and Myney Terney was a speaker and she spoke about Speak Up to Cancer.

Out of everything today and us preparing to speak to congress this is what spoke to me most...

This morning after presentations and the Nancy Brown spoke, AHA CEO (a hero to me), questions comments were welcome. One of the constituents stood up to share why she was there. She lost her son two years ago as a toddler as she helped to pass the pulse ox act in WV.

Clarity.

This is why I am here. My heart broke. She and her son. True heroes.

Pulse Oximetry – Congenital Heart Defects Screening for Newborns

As the number one killer of infants with birth defects, congenital heart defects take a significant toll on families across the country. Fortunately there is non-invasive screening test that helps identify newborns at risk for heart defects and potentially save their lives. The test, pulse oximetry, or pulse ox, consists of sensors placed on a baby's hand and foot to check blood oxygen levels. If their levels are too low, additional tests may be conducted that aid in detecting critical or possibly life-threatening heart defects that might otherwise go undetected. New research suggests wider use of pulse ox screening would help identify more than 90 percent of heart defects.

In September 2011, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius suggested that critical congenital heart defects screening be added to the “Recommended Uniform Screening Panel” for newborns before they are released from a hospital or birthing facility. To achieve this goal efforts are underway across the country to enact pulse ox screening policies that will allow babies with heart defects to live longer and fuller lives. As a result of these efforts New Jersey, Maryland, Indiana, Tennessee and West Virginia have already passed laws requiring newborns to have pulse ox screenings prior to being discharged from the hospital. In New Jersey, just hours after their law took effect, a newborn’s life was saved.

The American Heart Association will continue its efforts to educate key decision makers and the public about the critical role pulse ox screening plays in improving early diagnosis for newborns. We will also work to increase funding for support and educational services, enhance scientific research in this area, and expand access to quality care for the nation’s children.

To learn more about congenital heart defects and pulse ox screening policies in your state, visit You’re the Cure today!

Please join me at the Go Red for Women Luncheon!

Make It Your Mission to Fight Heart Disease in Women

Go Red For Women® celebrates the energy, passion and power we have as women to band together to wipe out heart disease and stroke.

Heart disease is still the No. 1 killer of women, taking the life of 1 in 3 women each year. This means women just like you - mothers, sisters, friends - are dying at the rate of one per minute because they don't know what you know: heart disease kills.
Women have come together here in the fight against heart disease in women. Take your seat at the table with dedicated women and men just like you. Hear their survivor stories, learn how heart disease affects a family and how you can help stop heart disease in our lifetime. Share our mission to fight the No. 1 killer of women.
Make It Your Mission to fight heart disease in women. By sharing this commitment, together we can help save lives. Be a part of this extraordinary day.

Make It Your Mission. 2nd Annual Baltimore Go Red For Women Luncheon Friday, May 31, 2013 Event Co-Chairs: Patty Brown & Marianne Fishle

 

I just read a great article on AHA's You're The Cure website: Be Part of the Rally for Medical Research!

I am so excited to be apart of this amazing event in April 8&9th!

I just read a great article on AHA's You're The Cure website: Be Part of the Rally for Medical Research!

There’s something big about to happen in Washington, DC, that you need to be a part of! On April 8th, thousands of patients and researchers, including hundreds of our You’re the Cure advocates, will join together in our nation’s capital to deliver a strong, unified message to Congress that our nation’s investment in medical research must be prioritized. It’s called the Rally for Medical Research- and just because you’re not in DC, doesn’t mean you can’t be there with us! Here are a few easy ways to get involved:

1. Add your name to our ‘Many Hearts, One Voice for Medical Research’ petition today. Your fellow advocates attending the rally will carry big hearts proudly displaying the names of supporters from across the country, like you, who want our nation’s decision makers to get the message loud and clear: We need cures, not cuts!
2. Help us get the word out! The more names we have on our hearts, the bigger the presence of the heart and stroke community will be at the rally, so encourage your friends and family to sign the petition too. Post the link (http://yourethecure.org/heartsforresearch) to Facebook and Twitter today.
3. Watch the rally from your home computer! On April 8th at 11:00 am EST, the rally will be live-streaming on YouTube, so tune-in to hear from great speakers, including NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins and even a couple of our very own You're the Cure advocates about how critical medical research is. You'll also get to see our red hearts waving in the crowd! Watch here.

Medical research saves lives, inspires hope, fosters innovation, and boosts the economy. Yet, our country’s investment in the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the world’s leading research institution, continues to decline. This threatens the fight against heart disease and stroke, our nation’s No. 1 and No. 4 killers- and the jobs of the researchers who have dedicated their careers to advancing science that saves lives. It’s time to turn things around- and this rally makes an important statement to Congress. Thank you for joining with us to show your support for making medical research funding a national priority!

A Mom to me

I have been asked many times why and how I got involved in pageants. They get a bad rap, truly but they saved me at a time I really needed saving. I came back from AADA/UF and by some grace was hired full time as as a model on HSN (then HSC ) as a model. It was an amazing letter. Someone who never met me believed or saw something in me. She encouraged me to compete in Miss Seminole Florida MAO. Who did not want to be Miss America. I just never knew how. I was a bit lost for many reasons and it gave me focus so I tried. Oh...geez....my theatrical background and my lack of tan...well.....what it did give me was family. Needless to say, I did not win that year. What I did gain was an amazing Mother.


I won Miss Seminole a few years later and Denny and Judy Pieczonka took me in to their home as their daughter and loved me through Miss Florida and beyond.


Today is my "Mom" Judy's Birthday and I love you. Thank you for always loving me, believing in me, and your amazing applesauce. You and Denny are forever in my heart and parents to me. I hope I didn't cause you to much trouble! Happy Anniversary's you two also.Love you!

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! JUDY PIECZONCKA!

You say its you BIRTHDAY!

I think self celebrating may be wrong in a few books but in mine, I'm good with it. Its rough being 29....again:) I am happy to tell you my husband turned 38 this week. My age,  mystery! Maybe not so much! LOL! Its an interesting birthday with the birth of so much new and the passing and letting go of what is old. The military will do that to you. I had someone once tell me I wear everything on my sleeve, yeah baby, I wear it well!

Still looking for my Shamrock? Insert winning lottery ticket here! Excited for April. May the Cherry Blossoms bloom...finally!

Spring, where are you?

The car, the safe and the legacy.

In the past few days, well weeks, I have been digging through our safes. There is not a lot of importance or of value but there are a lot of memories. What drove me, no pun intended was we gave my nephew one of our cars and I was looking for the title and I came across some great letters. I am a Pemberton and proud of it. Hey by legacy we did invent Coca Cola but more importantly I ran across a letter from my Grandmother Bonnie. My Grandpa, Floyd J Pemberton, received a medal from President Eisenhower and my Dad was in the picture. This was followed up by a letter from my Grandmother of an article that was published in 1955 by the American Magazine  title "I'm Glad I'm Alive".  My intent is to find a scanner this week and post it because it just made me smile. Its not what you think. It was a how to avoid a car accident in a major rig. You see the award he won was for pulling two women out of a burning car when he was driving one night.

I think I search a lot for my family and I miss my parents, no doubt. Their legacy's live on. My Mom its a little harder because of the adoption and questions but we know there was music, go figure :), but the Pemberton's, well we are a very strong breed.

Family is amazing, my family is amazing.

YOU'RE THE CURE!

On April 8th, thousands of survivors and researchers, including hundreds of You're the Cure advocates, will be in Washington, DC for the Rally for Medical Research to deliver a strong, unified message to Congress that we must prioritize of nation's investment in medical research. You can show your support and be there with us by adding your name to our "Many Hearts, One Voice" petition today! Every name added will be proudly displayed on hearts your fellow advocates will hold at the rally.  

True Heroes

About 10 years ago, I was introduced to a wonderful man, Joe Finch.  Little did I know, he and the  journey would change my life.  The Armed Forces Foundation has done so much for so many. Joe and Monika, well so much more.

About 6 years ago Andy and I were so honored and blessed to have met Josh Huffman and Heather in Virginia and through the many arms of the AFF...Homes for the Troops...Andy and I were honored to emcee the event in Michigan that helped provide an amazing home for him. Josh and Heather are great heroes. It in moments that reminds me of the importance when it so easy to get  lost in the the day of  just "me". I received a great update today! Josh is doing great and I just bet there are some amazing things ahead. Save a hug for me!

I was so happy, honored and blessed to have been asked back to help serve at Walter Reed for the monthly dinner the Armed Forces Foundation host. We are asked not to take pictures of the patients but I will tell you they are the TRUE TRUE TRUE heroes, inspirations..... What people don't see is the day, the every day, The families, the every day. The staff, the every day. When you are in patient day after day, the beeps, the smells, the staff, the noise it becomes your life. It becomes your family of sorts. So even when the initial "war" has passed and the "healing" has begun its the journey that is is the hardest.

A special thank you and someone who walks the walk to Hannah Brewer Dell. Miss Maryland Teen USA. Whether the AHA, USO, or AFF your arms always reach that far. Love you.


From the smallest heroes to the biggest souls may God find speed tonight.

Thank you to the Armed Forces Foundation and thank you to "Uncle" Joe and Monika Finch and so many more that give. I am honored to have been volunteering with you for so long, blessed to be part of the military community and a big thank you for all you do.

Heart disease and women

DALLAS, February 19, 2013 — A new study shows women’s heart disease awareness is increasing, with the number of women aware that heart disease is the leading cause of death nearly doubling in the last 15 years, but that this knowledge still lags in minorities and younger women, according to the American Heart Association (AHA).
Among the study’s major findings, researchers comparing women’s views about heart disease in 1997 and today found:

• In 2012, 56 percent of women identified heart disease as the leading cause of death compared with 30 percent in 1997.
• In 1997, women were more likely to cite cancer than heart disease as the leading killer (35 percent versus 30 percent); but in 2012, only 24 percent cited cancer.
• In 2012, 36 percent of black women and 34 percent of Hispanic women identified heart disease as the top killer — awareness levels that white women had in 1997 (33 percent).
• Women 25-34 years old had the lowest awareness rate of any age group at 44 percent.

Among the women surveyed in 2012, researchers found:

• Racial and ethnic minorities reported higher levels of trust in their healthcare providers compared with whites, and were also more likely to act on the information provided—dispelling the myth that mistrust of providers contributes to disparities.
• Compared with older women, younger women were more likely to report not discussing heart disease risk with their doctors (6 percent among those 25-34 versus 33 percent for those 65 and older).

About the Study

In 1997, the AHA commissioned a national survey to assess the awareness and knowledge of heart disease risk among women. Researchers then determined that only one in three women correctly identified heart disease as the number one killer of women. Since that time, the AHA has worked to increase women’s awareness of heart disease, such as by launching the Go Red For Women campaign in 2003. As of 2012, the number of women who know that heart disease is their leading cause of death has nearly doubled.
The study showed barriers and motivators to engage in a heart healthy lifestyle are different for younger women, who also said their doctors were less likely to talk to them about heart disease.
“This is a missed opportunity,” said Lori Mosca, M.D, M.P.H., Ph.D., lead author of the study. “Habits established in younger women can have lifelong rewards. We need to speak to the new generation, and help them understand that living heart healthy is going to help them feel better, not just help them live longer. So often the message is focused on how many women are dying from heart disease, but we need to be talking about how women are going to live — and live healthier.”
Mosca also said efforts need to be culturally sensitive to reach more minorities who are at high risk for heart disease.
Learn Go Red For Women’s expert tips to live healthy and more ways to prevent heart disease. Know your risk for heart disease and take the Heart Checkup on Go Red For Women.
Find out more about how you can get involved with Go Red to help us bring awareness to women’s number one threat.
Read more about the American Heart Association’s study at Heart.org.

Im going to love you through it

I do believe that God has a plan and people walk into our doors for a reason. The realization of how true this is is just remarkable. I was listening to Martina McBride's song, "Im gonna love you through it" and it reminded me of the blessings in my life. It also reminded me of Footprints in the Sand.

Day by day, like we all do I walk a path and only hope that it is right. I make mistakes, I am human but also know that no matter what, God does not judge but he does love if you are only open to being loved.

Anyone who truly knows me, knows that there is a song for everything, every moment and every minute. As I start to get my head around things, the one thing I know for sure, the love of friends, family and faith will guide me through.

Last week was a bit bumpy and I also had a slight accident. My fault, tire issue and well we are all ok.

I am blessed and remain blessed.....so for my heart and at time's messed up head :) I will always love you through it because I am never alone and nor should you be.

Remain blessed and here's to your heart.....

Up next Illinois Intl and Walter Reed Dinner.

D

A Valentine gift for me...serving those who serve

 

With 1st Sergeant Christopher C Howlett and LT Col Chaz M Holland, Jr

 

I have been volunteering with the non profit group Armed Forces Foundation for 6 years. They are an amazing group that does so much for so many. I was first introduced to them by Joe & Monika Finch who give so much to those who are serving or who have served in the United States Military Services and their families. As a military spouse who has lived in MANY locations, it is the families and organization's that always make you feel like you have support and you are never alone



I was also presented with a challenge coin!

Thank you to WRNMC and Lt Col Holland!












I was invited to help serve Valentines Dinner at the Walter Reed National Medical Center and it was a true honor! Panera Bread donated the food and by the end of the night...all the food was gone! Desert was donated as well by Cake Love and looked amazing! He has even been featured on Oprah so that was a huge hit!!!!

I invited Hannah Brewer Dell, Miss Maryland Teen USA 2013, to join us and boy did she bring on the smiles!!!! Thank you Hannah. Did I mention that I believe she will be our next Miss Teen USA? I have had the privilege of seeing her involvement with the American Heart Association also and I can say for a fact that she not only beautiful on the inside but the outside too. I also was able to spend some time with Darlene Deeban whom I love dearly. She is a former Mrs Galaxy and just a beautiful soul! Her son was also there helping out.

I know some people call Valentines Day a Hallmark created event but actually its so much more. To love, be loved and create a smile....in my opinion Valentine's Day should be every day. Also, I have to admit, I am a sucker for a big red heart:)

Here's to your heart~

Deanna