Message From Chairperson Nancy Farkas
Nancy Farkas, Associate Partner, Coldwell Banker Heritage
It is with great pleasure that I serve as Chair of the 3rd annual Go Red for Women luncheon. Heart disease remains the number 1 killer of women and the Go Red campaign is diligently working to change this. Through education and awareness, we are educating women (and men) in the Miami Valley about their risk factors for heart disease and ways to reduce them. The mission of the American Heart Association - “Building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke” would not be possible without the support of each one of you.
On May 14, 2010, men and women from Dayton will come together at the Sinclair Ponitz Center for the Go Red for Women luncheon. This will be a time to celebrate the accomplishments we have made and a look to the future. We have a great program planned as well as wonderful fashions from Macy’s. Hear amazing stories of survivors and take part in free health screenings. Please plan to join us for this fun, educational and informative event. I look forward to seeing each of you as we work to save lives and create a healthier community.
Sincerely,
Nancy Farkas, Associate Partner
Coldwell, Banker Heritage Realtors
Volunteer Spotlight
Lynnette Heard
When the R&B legend and songstress Chaka Khan sings, "I'm Every Woman," I KNOW she is singing to me. For most of my life, I've constantly been pulled and pushed in so many directions by my loving family, in a career that I thoroughly enjoy, and wanting to do everything I can to improve the quality of life in the communities that have given so much to me. This sense of purpose is often my greatest downfall...because I THINK I can be "every woman." What I've forgotten in this portrait of myself.....IS myself. Clearly, I know that as an African-American woman who is the daughter of two parents whose lives were cut short from heart disease and stroke, I am a target. I'd like to believe that stress doesn't affect me; and I'd like everyone know that I can handle EVERYTHING that comes my way. The reality is that not everything in my life is under my control.....except what I do for myself. Yes, I struggle with trying to find time for just ME, seeking moments of solace in the hectic pace of work, and finding peace in the silence of being in the presence of God. Yet, I know that I owe my BEST self to my husband, sons, grandchildren, sister, niece, and all who love me. The last thing that I can even imagine is listening to them all tell me that I should have taken better care of myself. So, I'm still a work in progress...a woman on a journey toward better health committed to eating better, trying to find more time to exercise after a 80-minute round trip commute on I-75 , and making more time for enjoying the moments of life. This is a health promise that my heart deserves...and I one that I intend to keep....thanks to the American Heart Association. I don't want to be another statistic....I want my life to be one of purpose and healthiness...I still want to be "Every Woman"....but one who puts her health as the FIRST priority...not the last.
