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Survivors Raising Awareness About Heart Health for Women

Foundation of CVPH fundraiser benefits thousands of cardiology patients each year

Close up of two red sneakers on a sidewalk in the fall.
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PLATTSBURGH, NY – What was supposed to be an enjoyable evening watching her granddaughters’ concert turned into a scary wake up call for Marilyn Kretser. Now, she’s sharing her story to save lives. 

The 76-year-old says she suffered from serious chest pain and shortness of breath one night last March while walking to the gymnasium at Plattsburgh High School to watch her granddaughters perform. Once she got in her seat and rested, the symptoms went away. It was an experience she’d had multiple times over the previous nine months. Standard heart tests didn’t show anything definitive before, leading doctors to treat her, primarily, for asthma. 

Still, something didn’t seem right for Kretser, and she went to the Emergency Department at University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) the next morning. Within two weeks, the retired teacher underwent double bypass surgery after learning the blood vessels on the left side of her heart were significantly blocked, leaving her susceptible to a potentially deadly heart attack. 

“My recommendation and advice to people would be, if you’re not sure, get it checked out,” Kretser explains. “When you’re having chest pain and shortness of breath, don’t just take it for granted. Do something about it right away.” 

Kretser says she is an example of women who have symptoms that aren’t always recognized right away as being heart related. In her case, she thought she had asthma. Sharing her experience is why she agreed to be a panelist and speak at The Foundation of CVPH’s “Stepping Out For Your Heart” event taking place on Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 5 pm at the West Side Ballroom. 

“If I can help one person really think twice about symptoms that they’re having and help them trust the medical community so they go and get it checked out, that’s what it’s all about for me,” Kretser says. 

Illustrated logo of two red sneakers above the words, "Stepping out for your heart".

In addition to hearing from Kretser, attendees will be able to take part in several interactive wellness stations, enjoy a heart healthy dinner and bid for their favorite items in live and silent auctions. Tickets for the 10th annual event are $65, with a special senior citizen price (65 and older) of $50 each. Tickets can be purchased online at UVMHealth.org/CVPHHeart. Proceeds will support the CVPH Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehab Project, a $1.2 million initiative to build a larger rehab facility. The project will more than double the number of patients currently taking part in cardiac and pulmonary rehab. 

Each year, hundreds of people dressed in red attire come together for the special evening dedicated to raising funds and awareness to end heart disease and stroke for all women. 

“It is inspiring to hear from survivors and physicians each year. At the same time, you can learn something that may save your life or the life of someone you care about,” says Michelle Senecal, events and special projects manager for The Foundation. “By stepping out and showing your support, you’re touching the lives of thousands of people across our region who rely on the excellent care our teams provide.” 

For more information, contact Senecal at 518-314-3359 or email her at msenecal [at] cvph.org (msenecal[at]cvph[dot]org).