Cape Fear Heart Ball 2012

We had such a great time at the Cape Fear Heart Ball to raise money for the American Heart Association.  It is such a worthy cause because heart disease affects so many people!  Did you know heart disease kills more women than all cancers combined?  

Frances Weller, my friend and the event emcee, told the crowd about her mom's open heart surgery.  We learned about New Hanover County Chairman Ted Davis' heart condition.  Perhaps, one of the most touching stories centered around a baby who needed heart surgery shortly after her birth.  We even interviewed her a while back on Fox Wilmington.  

We all have friends and family who have been impacted with heart conditions (or potential ones.)  My friend Bo Dean has been an inspiration to the Wilmington community for losing more than 100 pounds with the help of his trainer, Adam Freeman.  Bo's friends at the Cape Fear chapter of the American Heart Association set him up with Adam, who also had a daughter with a heart condition.  Adam's daughter Kayleigh was born prematurely and was one of the smallest patients to ever have open heart surgery.

On a personal note, both of my grandfathers had heart problems.  I was there when my mom's dad had a heart attack during one of our summer fishing trips.  It was terrifying.  I can still remember that day very well, and it was nearly 30 years ago!  My dad's dad also died of massive heart attack.  Heart disease is something that touches us all.

On a much lighter note, I tried to take pictures... but my camera died within minutes!  I changed batteries before I left the house but apparently I brought an uncharged battery.  Shoot!