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