American Heart Association’s “Hearts on Ice” is Jan. 16 in Portla

Raise a glass, bid on auction items, and help the American Heart Association in Maine fund lifesaving research and education by attending “Hearts on Ice” on January 16th at Aura in Portland. An annual Go Red for Women® networking and fundraising event, this event attracts those from Greater Portland’s business and medical communities to support the Association while also educating attendees about heart disease and stroke in women.

A brief speaking program, emceed by Channel 8 WMTW Anchor Kathleen Jordan, will feature Monica Salamone who suffered a life-threatening heart event at age 34, weeks after giving birth to her second son. “I’m here because I’m a survivor. I’m here because people push forward every day looking for reasons why things like this happen,” said Salamone. “They look to see how they can fix it or prevent it. They improve upon improvements and make our lives better and the American Heart Association is a big reason why these researchers and doctors can do these things and save people like me.”

Kim Twitchell, Maine Regional President of NBT Bank and the Go Red for Women Luncheon Chairwoman, will kick-off the evening. Dr. Michael Robich, a Maine Medical Center Cardiac Surgeon and American Heart Association grant recipient, will present a brief overview of his research. The Association is currently funding over $1.1 million in cardiovascular research in Maine. The night will be topped off with a short live auction with a Peak’s Island vacation package, Red Sox tickets, and beautiful jewelry from Springer’s Jewelers – just in time for Valentine's Day – led by Mike Carey of Tranzon Auction Properties.

“Hearts on Ice” is locally sponsored by NBT Bank. The Go Red for Women campaign is sponsored nationally by CVS Health and locally by the statewide Maine Goes Red sponsor, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. Media sponsors are Channel 8 WMTW, WPOR FM and the Portland Press Herald.

Tickets are available at HeartsOnIce.Heart.org for $35 in advance/$40 at the door. For additional questions, please contact Katie Rooks, Go Red for Women Event Director, at 207-289-2388 or Katie.Rooks@heart.org. Dress is business casual, and appetizers and a cash bar will be provided.

About Go Red for Women
In the United States, cardiovascular diseases kill approximately 1 in 3 women each year. Go Red for Women is the American Heart Association’s national movement to end heart disease and stroke in women. Cardiovascular diseases in the U.S. kill approximately one woman every 80 seconds. The good news is that 80 percent of cardiac events may be prevented with education and lifestyle changes. Since 2004, cardiovascular deaths in women have decreased by 30%. Go Red for Women advocates for more research and swifter action for women’s heart health.