Women of Distinction Luncheon 2014

   Hooray! I finally have some time to update y'all on what I've been up to the past few weeks. One event deserves a post of its own: the 2014 Women of Distinction Luncheon. As many of you know, I was personally invited by Assemblywoman Solages to be the keynote speaker at her first annual Women of Distinction Luncheon in Valley Stream. As a youth advocate for the American Heart Association, I was more than happy to speak to the attendees about my journey with the AHA and how heart disease has affected both my family and my generation.
   With that being said, on March 23, I spoke to over 200 outstanding women and community members about my platform- Heart U. I shared with them how heart disease has directly affected my life (my grandfather suffered from an abdominal aortic aneurism in 2011, and heart disease runs in my family). But I also spoke about my generation and how we are predicted to be the first generation to not outlive our parents if we continue down the path towards unhealthy habits. Heart disease knows no bounds and affects everyone in multiple ways, shapes, and forms.
   As I finished speaking, I encouraged each and every person in the room to find a cause that they are passionate about. Whether it be the American Heart Association or a smaller cause, I urged everyone to take action, like I did with the AHA. The honorees at the luncheon (women who have done so much for their community in so many different ways) have done just that as well. It is when you find that cause that you care about that you can truly make a difference in your community.
  By the end of the luncheon, I had met so many inspirational people. I even spoke to a few girl scout troop leaders who wanted me to present the Heart U program to their troops. I was beyond ecstatic! Here are some photos from the event:

I absolutely love this picture of my mom and I at the luncheon!

A quick selfie never hurt anyone! I wore a red dress and a red dress pin to support the Go Red for Women campaign!

With Assemblywoman Solages after the luncheon. I'm so thankful for the opportunity she extended to me. I love being able to speak about my platform whenever I get the chance!

   I have so many fabulous people to thank for this opportunity. Firstly, to Assemblywoman Solages for trusting a sixteen year old to be the keynote speaker at her luncheon. She had only spoken to me for about ten minutes before asking me to speak at the event, and I am forever grateful that she had so much faith in me. Next, to Ms. Desdunes for providing me with so much information on the event beforehand. Lastly, thank you to all of the luncheon attendees. They lended me your ear for ten minutes so that I could speak to them about heart disease and its effect on the lives of so many. They allowed me to do something I love- speak about the causes that are near and dear to my heart.

XOXO,

Sarah

State Lobby Day 2014

  Happy Friday, y'all! This past few weeks has been filled with crazy busy endeavors, but I wouldn't have it any other way! On March 12, I was invited as a Youth Advocate to the American Heart Association New York State Lobby Day. That day, my dad graciously took off work to drive me to Albany to gather with multiple advocate at the New York State Capitol Building. All day my dad and I attended legislative meetings persuading lawmakers to support an increase in funding for smoking support and diabetes prevention programs.
   If that wasn't enough, I was extended an incredible offer by Assemblywoman Solages, herself! After speaking with the Assemblywoman, she invited me to her Women's Empowerment Luncheon. She was very impressed my my speaking skills (skills that I've acquired through the Miss America's Outstanding Teen program), she even asked me to be the guest speaker at the luncheon! It was an offer I couldn't refuse. I look forward to speaking about my involvement with the American Heart Association and how it has shaped me into the person I am today.
  Here are some pictures from the day:

Before heading off to our first legislative meeting of the day!

My dad and I couldn't resist taking a selfie!

My dad is awesome! I love him so much.

Post legislative meetings!

  By the end of the day, I learned a lot. First, Assemblywoman Solages is an incredibly amiable woman and it was such a pleasure getting to speak with her. I also learned that my dad rocks at persuading lawmakers... he's great at speaking to people! Shout out to him for taking off from work to take me to State Lobby Day. I love you, dad!

XOXO,

Sarah

SYS has Heart!

   Happy February, everyone! February is Heart Month, which means Heart U will be doing a lot of cool things to celebrate. I'm not the only one celebrating, though. The Southampton Youth Services (SYS) Inc. has introduced February as Fitness Month! They will be offering some awesome opportunities for community members to get involved in!
   Here are some of the cool things SYS is including in Fitness Month (click on the pictures to enlarge)!

   I'm most excited about Heart Week! Free Teen Zumba classes, blood pressure checks, spin classes, and heart healthy snack! What a great way to kickstart a heart healthy year. Be sure to take advantage of all of these special deals the SYS in Southampton has to offer. I know I will!

    Also be sure to visit the Heart U Facebook page every day this month to learn a new heart-related fact! You can also submit your own!

Happy Heart Month!

Sarah

Click here to visit the Heart U Facebook page and, "Like" us!

Click here to visit the SYS website, and learn more about the special Fitness Month offers.

Southampton High School Students Learn Hands Only CPR... Again!

   As you know, last year I teamed up with my high school and local EMS volunteers to make Hands Only CPR a part of the gym class curriculum. I'm excited to share that Hands Only CPR training has returned to Southampton High School! My classmates and I learned how to save lives in any situation. Upperclassmen reviewed Hands Only CPR and first aid, while freshmen were introduced to the life-saving process! Here are some pictures of the students learning how to save a life:

The students learned how to save a life from gym teachers and EMS volunteers.

Practicing Hands Only CPR!

Students also learned how to respond when someone is choking: use abdominal thrusts!

   Thank you SO much to the Southampton EMS volunteers to took time out of their busy schedules to teach my classmates and I how to save lives. Also, thank you to the gym teachers at my school for allowing Hands Only CPR to be apart of the gym curriculum for a second year.

XOXO,

Sarah

Hamptons Heart Ball 2013

   Happy Sunday, everyone! On June 29, I was able to attend the 2013 Hamptons Heart Ball. Each year the Hamptons Heart Ball raises thousands of dollars for the American Heart Association. This was my first year attending, and I was so excited to be manning the advocacy table! I was able to talk to attendees about two petitions I asked them to sign. One petition asks for CPR to be a high school graduation requirement in all New York State schools. The second petition asked for all New York City schools to offer 30 min of quality physical education classes each day. So many people showed their support by signing the two petitions! Here are some pictures from the Heart Ball:

At the advocacy table! So happy I could do what I love- raising awareness!

With the 2013 Heart Hero, Caroline Loeb!

With the inspirational Star Jones!

   I would like to thank everyone who helped to make the Heart Ball such an amazing event. We raised so much money and awareness for the American Heart Association that night, and that is truly what it is all about!

XOXO,

Sarah

Long Island Heart Ride 2013

   Hello, everyone! For the past 3 years, I have volunteered to help at the annual Long Island Heart Ride by distributing water, snacks, and other items that the bikers might need during their ride at a Water Stop. This year, I was happy to manage the first of three water stops on the bike route. I met so many wonderful people who were riding in the Heart Ride, all of which were either biking 100 miles or 50 miles. I was so inspired by the riders and their passion for staying active and raising awareness with the American Heart Association. Here are some pictures from the Water Stop!

With some of the riders as they were passing through the Water Stop!

The riders were so upbeat after finishing their 20th mile!

Me at the Water Stop!

   I am so glad I was able to be apart of the Long Island Heart Ride for a third year. The Heart Ride is one of my favorite volunteer opportunities, and I look forward to it each year. Thank you to the Heart Ride staff for allowing me to come back and volunteer, and for allowing the event to run smoothly!

XOXO,

Sarah

NYS Lobby Day!

   On Tuesday, April 15, I was honored to participate in the American Heart Association's New York State Lobby Day in Albany. I started off the day with other advocates at a small session teaching us how to communicate with lawmakers effectively. We also reviewed our "asks" for the day: asking law makers to support the CPR in School Bill (making it mandatory for students to learn CPR as a graduation requirement), and asking lawmakers to support a Pulse Ox Bill (making it mandatory for all newborns to be screened for heart defects using a pulse ox).

   Afterwards, I headed over the the official Hands Only CPR station, where I volunteered to teach people walking by Hands Only CPR. Michele, the woman in charge of the station was so nice, and I had a great time taking an hour from my day to teach people CPR.

Teaching Hands Only CPR to people!

   After teaching CPR, I went straight to my first meeting. I first met with Lisa Lombardo, who was a staff member in Assemblyman Thiele's office. The meeting went well, and I even gave her the link to my Southampton High School CPR video, which you can see here. Later, I met with Senator LaValle who I was thrilled to hear supported both bills one hundred percent! After our meeting, I even got to discuss school and my plans for the future with him! He was such a nice man! Next, I met off the floor with Assemblyman McDonough and I got some good vibes from him! My last meeting of the day was with a staff member of Senator Martins, and it seemed to be a positive meeting!

With Senator LaValle after my meeting with him!

In front of the Lobby Day sign!

   I had such a great time at the Lobby Day! I would like to thank Julie Hart and Robin Vitale for inviting me to take part in a day dedicated to raising awareness and making a difference. I also want to thank Jessica DiMeo who attended all of the meetings with my mom and me. She was wonderful company and helped us so much! Lastly, thank you to my mom who drove me to Albany and allowed me to take part in Lobby Day. Soon, I'll be able to drive myself! :)

XOXO

Sarah