Trenton, NJ- Many people would say that affairs of the heart should be left private. And in most cases we would agree. Unless, of course, you are being recognized for support of an exceptional program that promotes heart healthy living for female students in Trenton Central High School in Trenton, NJ.

Healthcare Leadership
On February 13, The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey (Foundation) was presented with the Women's Heart Foundation Heart Advocate Award for its support of the organization's Teen Esteem program.



Joan Hollendonner, Grants Manager, is pictured above and accepted on behalf of the Foundation. The program increases self esteem for high school sophomore girls through an extensive fitness, nutrition and education program. The awards were presented at the Women's Heart Foundation Red Dress Luncheon at the Trenton Marriott Hotel. "This program supports young women in high school who face many challenges including peer pressure and the rigors of keeping up with your studies," said Jonathan Pearson, Deputy Director of The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey. "The Women's Heart Foundation Teen Esteem program is shown to help participants improve their overall health, live a healthier lifestyle and improve their academics. We are honored to receive this wonderful award and proud to support the Women's Heart Foundation." "By supporting our Teen Esteem program, The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey is making a positive impact on the health of young women in New Jersey," said Bonnie Arkus, Executive Director of the Women's Heart Foundation. "Their financial support has been critical to the program's success." The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey has awarded $75,000 to support the Teen Esteem program since 2005.

Leadership in Science and Medicine

Dr. Joseph T. Shen was recognized with the Women’s Heart Advocate Award for his Leadership in Science and Medicine. "Dr. Shen’s invention of the Multifunction CardioGram represents a major breakthrough in cardiology" said Bonnie Arkus. "The test is quick, non-invasive, risk free and has a high degree of reliability in both women and men in the diagnosis of ischemic heart disease. By recognizing Dr. Shen, we hope to raise awareness of ischemic heart disease and promote widespread use of the Multifunction CardioGram to save more hearts and more lives." MCG™ is the world’s first Internet based non-invasive, stress, radiation and drug free computational electrophysiological system, providing an objective and early detection of Ischemia caused by Coronary Arterial Disease to save lives. “I am very humbled and honored by this award, which I accept on behalf of all those who have devoted their professional lives to the development of MCG technology,” said Joseph T. Shen, MD, founder of Premier Heart.

Corporate Leadership
 
During a one week period in February 2009, Ms. Arkus reported that eBay designated the Women's Heart Foundation to be the featured charity at check-out. During this new eBay pilot with the Giving Works Community, 17,000 individual donors gave $1 each to the Women's Heart Foundation. Additionally, eBay sellers decided to dedicate proceeds of sales to the WHF. All told, donations came to over $26,000. This outstanding support for wellness speaks for itself. and allowed the WHF to continue to keep its doors open and provide prevention programs to vulnerable adolescent girls in an inner city school. Further, WHF was able to conduct its annual RUN FOR MOM on Mother's Day, serving 36o participants in the New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania areas.

Volunteer of the Year

Robin Heston was honored as Volunteer of the Year for her contributions to the Women's Heart Foundation and chairing the annual RUN FOR MOM event on Mother's Day. Last year, the event drew nearly 400 community members and it continues to grow in popularity each year with 5k competitive walk and run, 1 mile family health walk and kids fun runs. Ms. Heston received a $100 gift certificate to Lord and Taylor in appreciation of her efforts to raise awareness of women's number one killer. This Mother's Day will mark the 7th annual Run for Mom event. The DHHS Office on Women's Health is a sponsor.

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