GUARDaHEART Hosts an Evening in Celebration of World Heart Day

The GUARDaHEART Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting heart disease through awareness, detection and prevention, hosted a special event on September 28th at the Lyon Air Museum in Orange County in recognition of The World Heart Federation's World Heart Day.

This year's global celebration was the largest to date as millions of people took part in activities around the world. Heart disease remains the #1 killer in many countries including the U.S. and many are unaware that 80% of heart disease is preventable with early detection and lifestyle modifications. The James Bond-themed event focused on "Targeting Heart Disease" with a simple message: "Learn. Detect. Prevent."

Guest speaker actor Eric Roberts of The Dark Knight and The Expendables opened by telling guests "GUARDaHEART literally saved my life." His Highness, Sheik Khalid Bin Jabor Al Thani was the keynote speaker and recipient of the International Heart Award for his dedication and commitment in supporting heart disease awareness and detection worldwide. GUARDaHEART presented the National Heart Award to Susan and Henry Samueli for their commitment to prevention and the founding of the Susan Samueli Center for Integrative Medicine. Dr. Wadie I. Najm accepted the award on their behalf.

The American Hero Award was presented to Col. Charles Soltes for his military service and founding of the Fisher House, which continues to support veterans. The Honorary Committee included the renowned Dr. Nathan Wong (Director of the UCI Heart Disease Prevention Program and U.S. Ambassador for the World Heart Day Federation), Dr. Shaista Malik (UCI Assistant Professor of Cardiology), Dr. Rico Simonini (Cardiologist, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center), Assemblyman Donald Wagner, Assemblywoman Diane Harkey, and Assemblyman Travis Allen.

The evening was co-sponsored by Aviir, Inc., Conaway and Conaway, Stillwater Dana Point, Sunsets Capo Beach, Mozambique Laguna Beach, Corporate Catering Online Irvine, ROHM Insurance, Aston Martin and many others. Proceeds from the event went to providing heart disease education, detection, and prevention resources for global communities; including members of the military, first responders, and low-income families.

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