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

Avian Advantage?

Last year, I became fascinated with evolutionary science after taking a course with Professor Will Provine, one of the leading historians of evolutionary biology and population genetics. I still browse the internet frequently for news about discoveries in evolutionary science. 

This morning, I happened upon a fascinating article about the discovery of a link between heart disease and evolutionary differences between mammals and all other species. Mammals are the only creatures on earth that possess Platelet cells, a vital tool the mammalian body uses to help blood clot during excessive bleeding.

Platelet Cell

We would be undoubtedly be dead without Platelets. However, these cells come with a drawback, because they also form clots at the site of cholesterol buildups in the blood vessels, ultimately resulting in cardiovascular diseases like heart attack and stroke. 

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania wanted to see just how detrimental Platelets were in comparison to other species. To test the difference, they decided to compare the blood clotting abilities of mice and birds. They chose birds because, like mammals, they have an extremely high pressure arterial system. 

The difference is that instead of Platelets birds have clotting cells called Thrombocytes.

Thrombocyte Cell

The researchers found that the Thrombocyte cell, though composed of many of the same proteins as Platelets, was fundamentally different in that it could not form "three dimensional aggregates under high-flow conditions." This means that the Thrombocyte cell in avians is missing characteristics that the Platelet cell has which contribute to the first stages of heart attack and stroke.

Researchers speculate that Platelets are probably present in mammals as the manifestation of an evolutionary need for early mammals to survive traumatic injury. Although at one time this might have been an evolutionary advantage, it now seems that the avians have the upper hand. For while humans  possess a keen ability to form blood clots quickly after injury, our Platelet cells make us more susceptible to detrimental intra-vascular clotting, which often precedes cardiovascular disease. 

Joanna

We have crowned a winner...

Yesterday in Statistics, my Professor was illustrating a point about the correlation coefficient significance test by using the example that the amount of fat consumed and the likelihood of heart disease are directly related. And...I suddenly realized that I had yet to report upon the results of Ivy Man!

So, without further delay....our winner this year was Elias Barber!

His bio describes him as a "rough and rogue competitor who retains the sex appeal of the untamed Cowboy of eras past--mysterious, sexy and rebellious.A man of many skills, some of which he learned on the farm, Elias is always equipped to hotwire a Volvo, wrestle a dangerous canine, or parallel park a tractor."

Elias's performance lived up to his big reputation, but he had to work hard to earn the title of Ivy Man
amongst the group of impressive competitors. The boys rocked the stage in their choreographed dance, and then went straight into the swimsuit competition.

We had contestants strutting their stuff in everything from speedos to full wetsuits, but Evan Maclin emerged as the obvious ladies favorite, later placing in the top 5.

After swimsuit came talents, and the audience was entertained by everything from Austrian song and dance, to serenades, to guitar playing. But Elias' talent was a clear indicator that he would be a favorite for the win. He performed a (unique?) but hilarious interpretive dance, which he flawlessly executed with the help of a few of his fraternity brothers.

The boys wrapped up the night with evening wear and onstage question, and all showed an excellent spirit of friendly competition.

But the best news of all is that Alpha Phi raised $4,500.00 for cardiac care, doubling our earnings from last year! The girls all had an amazing time contributing to a cause that has been a part of the Alpha Phi tradition since the 1950's.


Joanna

And the countdown begins....

A dozen of the most eligible bachelors at Cornell, showing off their talent, intelligence, and muscles onstage for all to see? It can only mean one thing: Ivy Man!

But this annual all-male beauty pageant doesn't just take place to provide attendees with a little bit of eye candy.

..........no really, it doesn't.

It's a fundraiser for Alpha Phi's philanthropy, which is, of course, heart disease. It's actually one of the events that convinced me not only to join the Greek system, but to become a member of Alpha Phi.

Aside from the fact that I found Ivy Man hilarious and entertaining, I was even more pleased to discover that all of the proceeds from the event go toward Cardiac Care. All four of my grandparents suffered from heart disease, so the issue has always been a personal and prevalent force in my life.

Last year, I got really involved in the planning of the event and I loved it! I sold tickets, promoted the event online and through posters, and was a beauty coach for one of the contestants. My friend Savannah and I took funny pictures of our guy around campus, and created a unique Facebook page to build support for him. We even helped him plan his Justin Bieber themed talent, perfect his swimsuit walk, and practice for his onstage question.

The competition itself consists of talent, onstage question, evening wear, and swimsuit, and our "People's Choice Award" is a great way to raise money in addition to our ticket sales. Audience members are asked to donate to the jar of their favorite contestant.

The man who currently reigns over the title of Ivy Man was also the winner of the People's Choice Award last year...Mr. Adam Belfer, the "Cornell Gangster":

Cumulatively, we raised $2,500.00 for cardiac care last year! We give these proceeds directly to the Alpha Phi Foundation, which then donates to major organizations like the American Heart Association. The video below is a summary of why our philanthropy is so important to us:

This year, we are hoping to beat that total. My friend Alex and I have already been hard at work coaching our contestant this year, and it looks like it's going to be stiff competition. I mean, we even have a pair of twins competing!

Alpha Phi's Ivy Man Competition will be held tomorrow night at 7:00 PM in Statler Auditorium. Can't wait!

Joanna