In Memory of my Grandfather...

Two days after Thanksgiving, my Grandfather, John Guy, passed away. He was my mentor, confidant, supporter, and friend.

A week after the news, I still can't grapple with the fact that I can't pick up the phone and hear his voice on the other end. The last day I saw him was on November 19th. He told me that after his most recent heart attack in early November, his body was failing. He asked me not to be sad. He told me that he was fulfilled by the life he led, proud of watching his family grow, and at peace.

I wish that it were possible for me to be as at peace with his passing as he was. But I love him and I miss him every day. You're always left wishing there was something else you would have said, one more story you could have heard, or one more moment you could have savored for a little bit longer.

All four of my Grandparents have now passed from heart disease or stroke. And it is painful, every time. It's impossible to watch the bodies and minds of the people you love deteriorate. It's even more impossible for me to think about the physical settings and tangible experiences of my memories and try to understand that space as empty. I can't wrap my mind around the house or the card table or the front patio chair as unoccupied. When people say that death leaves a hole in your heart, it's true. But it also leaves a physical hole in the world that is impossible to fill or comprehend.

He was an incredible man. He was resilient through heart attacks, surgery, sickness, and injury. He was a loyal husband, a wonderful father, and the most supportive, loving, and kind grandfather. He served his family as a husband and father, his country as a soldier, and his only granddaughter as a source of love and tranquility.

After his first heart attack, my Grandpa John changed his diet, quit smoking, and frequented the hospital for check ups. He made the conscious decision to change his life to stay healthy. He wanted more than anything to watch his two sons thrive. He wanted to see his two grandchildren graduate,  pursue adventures, and start families. I wish I could have him at my college graduation, or at my wedding, or just at the dinner table again. But I know that my grandfather cared for his heart as long as he possibly could. And in doing so, he cared for mine.

Taken on November 19th, our last day together.

From 8 to 80: Raising Awareness for all Ages!

Last week, I had a wonderful appearance in Montgomery County speaking to the local Daughter's of the American Republic organization. The ladies were incredibly kind and welcoming to me, and I think my speech about heart disease prevention resonated with them. Many had personal experience with stroke, heart attack, or even just fatigue or difficulty breathing steadily.

Earlier that day, I was lucky enough to visit my own elementary school and speak with every single student during their lunch periods. The lunchroom was the perfect place to talk to the kids about healthy, well-balanced meals and fun types of exercise. I was thrilled to learn that Travilah actually already has several wonderful programs to promote and reward physical activity. What a wonderful way to get an early start on heart health!

All in all, I'm so glad I got the opportunity to speak to people of all ages about a cause that's so important to me!

Love,

Joanna 

Bounce Back!

I mentioned before that one of my main goals as Miss Maryland is to fundraise for the Children's Miracle Network, which not ONLY helps kids maintain healthy hearts, but helps millions of children around the country recover from all sorts of injuries and sicknesses.

So, it is with excitement that I tell all of you about Bounce Back!

I'm teaming up with Brenda's Body shop to do a series of fun, dance-based fundraisers designed to involve my entire community in supporting Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and Cindy's Fund (a local non-profit dedicated to helping Garrett County, MD residents who are battling cancer).

With a theme of "helping others bounce back to health," the project uses colorful balls in tons of events throughout the fall season. Dance performances, an Autumn Glory Parade float, a photo contest, and a Christmas tree decorating extravaganza are just a few of the activities we have planned to raise money :)

I love Bounce Back because it's really providing a way for the community to make a difference in the lives of adults and children who are facing health and wellness challenges. It's also literally getting kids and their parents up and moving through dance, which we all know is a great way to exercise and stay heart healthy. 

Businesses are also supporting the project by pledging to become Bounce Back sponsors or by buying bags of balls for their employees and customers!

Check out our awesome promotional video, shot by Brennan Elliott:

Buckle Up!

Last Saturday, I was involved one of the most terrifying accidents of my entire life. I was driving down Route 270 near Germantown, MD when I looked over my shoulder to switch lanes. I saw someone in my blind spot, but when I turned back around the car in front of me had slammed its brakes. To avoid the collision, I swerved, lost control of my car, flew across all three lanes of interstate traffic and into the left hand guardrail. I am convinced that if I had not been wearing my seat belt, I would have been ejected from the car.

So, today, I'm diverging a little bit, but I feel it's imperative for me to bring attention to the importance of SAFETY WHILE DRIVING. Although I was going with the flow of traffic, was NOT texting or on my cell phone, and wasn't even listening to music, the accident happened faster than I could blink my eyes.

Even if you are doing nothing wrong, the road is a dangerous place. Your seatbelt could literally be the difference between a minor case of whiplash and critical condition, as it was for me.

Be Smart, Be Safe, and Buckle up :)

And a special thanks so Steven Matthews, the undercover detective who happened to be driving behind me and witnessed the whole crash. He then took me under his wing, even bringing me back to his wonderful family while I waited for my parents to arrive. We are pictured below!

Love,

Joanna

Pray for Mr. Humberson!

This past weekend was fantastic. I had the opportunity to travel to my home region of Western Maryland and participate in Friendsville Days, as well as Kitzmiller's Fireman's Parade.

In Friendsville, I had the opportunity to sing the national anthem, and most importantly, fundraise for the Children's Miracle Network and speak about Heart Disease Awareness.

While in Friendsville, I met Dylan Humberson, who was my driver for the parade on Saturday. He told me a story that touched me and fueled my passion for raising heart disease awareness. It also brought home the reality that the disease can strike anyone, at any time. Today, Monday the 30th, Dylan's father is undergoing open heart surgery. He only discovered last week that this surgery was necessary. The signs are often sudden and drastic--which is why it is so important to get frequent check-ups.

I would ask that you keep Dylan's father, Dylan, and his family in your prayers today, as they will certainly be in mine! I have full confidence that Mr. Humberson will be well in no time, as he is being treated at the Heart Institute in Morgantown, one of the premiere centers for heart care in the United States.

Dylan and I in Friendsville

Love,

Joanna

The Beginning!

Well, I have certainly been keeping up my heart rate! Life has been such a whirlwind since Miss Maryland. I love living in Baltimore and am really enjoying my legal research at Goodell, Devries, Leech and Dann. But most of all, I've really been enjoying all of the fundraising and appearances I have already been able to do for heart disease awareness, the Children's Miracle Network, and a lot of other wonderful causes.

My first official appearance as Miss Maryland! Visting my Jazzercise ladies. What better way to keep a healthy heart than dancing?!

Radio interview with WCBC--speaking about my Grandfather's open heart surgery to raise awareness. Be aware of your family history!

Helping to kick off the FIRST annual health, fitness, and nutrition day at the annual Kris Wilson Foundation weekend and festival in Lancaster, PA.

One of my favorite events in Hyattsville. Speaking to girls finishing camp at their local Commuity Center about being yourself, loving yourself, and living a healthy lifestyle!

To see more event pictures, get heart healthy tips, and stay up to date with my journey, visit http://www.facebook.com/media/albums/?id=496056267088102#!/JoannaGuyMissMaryland2012

Love,

Joanna

Red Dress Success!

Our Alpha Phi Red Dress Gala was quite the success! It was held at the Boatyard Grill, which is only a ten minute drive from the Cornell campus, and almost every member showed up with her parents and family.

Kelsey Graeber, our Delta Chapter philanthropy chair, reported that we ended up raising over $6,500.00! She states, "the sisterhood continues to lead the campus with record breaking charity events by contributing in ways that play up the individual talents of our members. From sisters performing with their a Capella groups to new members organizing the silent auction, I am continually blown away with what this group of girls is capable of. I'm extremely grateful for the Alpha Phi community and our dedication to philanthropy."

For me personally, the event was very special, as I brought my a cappella group to sing as entertainment. It was so nice to have the opportunity to merge my music and sorority life into one, and introduce my best friends to one another.

After 8 with a mint chocolate cake, as our usual attire is black with mint accessories, but we all wore red for the gala!

My parents and I at RDG.

After 8 entertainment!

Larissa and Charlotte at RDG.

An Early Start...

Beginning heart health at a young age is becoming increasingly important now that childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years. Obesity and lack of exercise are two of the main triggers for heart problems. In fact, in a "population based sample of 5- to17- year olds, 70% of obese youth had at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease."

Since these two issues clearly go hand in hand, how can we get kids to care about them and take action? This interactive quiz gives children a starting point from which to assess their lifestyle and knowledge. And this informational page provides kids with all the basics--and even gives them an option to listen to the article in case they can't read all of the medical jargon!

So sit down with your kids and get them involved. 30 minutes of knowledge today could mean 10 more years of life in the future.

Joanna

Celebrities are people too...

What do Miley Cyrus, Bill Clinton, and Shaun White have in common? The singer, politician, and professional snowboarder all suffer from some form of heart affliction--and they aren't afraid to tell the public about it. We too often view celebrities merely as icons and lose sight of the fact that they struggle with the same health problems, both physical and mental, as everyone else.

This list of 19 celebrities with heart disease shows how heart disease can affect both men and women from teenagers to the elderly.

In Tom Scheve of Discovery's article about 5 celebrities who have had heart attacks, he deftly states, "when it comes to heart disease, it's not who you know, its where you came from. Heart disease is hereditary. While celebrities often take a pass on some of life's more unpleasant experiences, no one has immunity against heart disease and heart attacks."

I commend these celebrities for voicing their struggles and refusing to shy away from admitting their disease for fear of tabloid criticism.

Watch below to see celebrity Marie Osmond campaign for heart disease awareness. Interestingly, Marie Osmond also founded the Children's Miracle Network, a chain of over 170 premiere hospitals that helps millions of sick kids every year. Go Marie!

Joanna

Babies in Red...

The red hat event at Ruby Memorial Hospital was quite the success. The babies looked so adorable in their hats, and a lot of the parents loved the informational cards. Hopefully when these little guys and girls grow up, they can share this picture with their children when they inform them about heart disease!

Thanks again to the Sew Crafty Ladies :)

Joanna

Go Red Today!

Today, February 3rd, is a very special day...National Wear Red Day! That's easy for us at Cornell--we can raise awareness for heart disease and show school spirit at the same time.

Inspired by all of the red around me on campus, I decided to take on a project of my own to help raise awareness during the month of February, which is heart disease awareness month. Every year during the month of February, the delivery wing of Ruby Memorial Hospital gives newborns their first item of clothing--a little red hat!

However, the hospital often has trouble getting enough hats for all of the infants. So, I got in contact with Anne Meade and the Sew Crafty Ladies of my church, St. Paul's Methodist, as well as Jennifer Edwards from Hatfield, PA, who are both expert knitters. With their help, I was able to donate about 50 handknit hats to the hospitals "Red Hat Project"! I can't wait to get pictures of what they look like on all the babies :)

 Joanna

Ben Breedlove

The video above is part of a moving story about 17 year old Ben Breedlove, who died on Christmas day as a result of his heart condition. He also made a "part 2" video, describing his experiences "cheating death" on December 6th, 2011, and had a regular youtube broadcast channel.

Ben's suffered from HCM, or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition in which the heart muscle thickens, preventing blood from leaving the heart as easily as it would in someone without the disease. Usually, the disease strikes young people most severely. The invasive side effects extend into every facet of a patient's life. Chest pain, dizziness, fainting, and shortness of breath made it impossible for Ben to live the life of a normal teenager.

When I came across this video I thought it was a terribly unfair burden for any person to bear at such a young age. Stories like Ben's are the reason we do research and raise money for heart disease. They show us that heart disease can impact anyone, at any age, no matter how healthy he or she appears.

Furthermore, his story made me thankful for my strong heart. It made me want to take care of it. I think the best way we can honor Ben is to ensure that we don't take our heart health for granted. Small changes in diet and exercise can yield such large lifetime benefits.

Ben's condition eliminated his option to have a healthy heart. We're lucky because many of us still have that option, and all we need to do is act on it.


Joanna