In the state of Florida, an estimated 85,249 people are impacted by a genetically inherited high cholesterol condition called Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH). Only 10% of those people are diagnosed. FH, when left undiagnosed and untreated, causes early heart disease. It is passed down through generations and begins at birth. People with FH have LDL or “bad” cholesterol levels that are 2 – 5 times higher than someone who is unaffected.
FH is found in 1 in 250 people of every race and ethnicity. Now is the time to act and save lives.
The FH Foundation, a patient-centered research and advocacy organization dedicated to raising awareness of FH, founded on September 24th as FH Awareness Day in 2012. Since then, it has been recognized by multiple state proclamations and cardiovascular organizations around the world as a day to promote public awareness and understanding of FH. In 2018, FH Awareness Day reached 42 million people around the world. The medical and public communities are encouraged to seek change in how FH is detected and managed. An essential component of this effort is educating providers, patients and the public about the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to help individuals with FH live long, healthy lives.
Photo Credit: FH Foundation
This year, the FH Foundation is hosting an inaugural FH Awareness Day Reception & Panel Discussion in Miami highlighting Global FH Awareness Day. The evening will serve as a fundraiser supporting the FH Foundation’s impactful work and will empower the Miami community to take action on FH and prevent early heart attacks in their community.
Photo Credit: St. Regis Bal Harbour
The reception will be held at the lovely St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort located in Miami, Florida on September 24, 2019. The program will be co-hosted by Haute Living’s April Irene Donelson, an FH Advocate for Awareness, who lost her fiancé to FH in June of 2018 and will be honoring him during the evening. Attendees will hear from the CEO of the FH Foundation, Katherine Wilemon, a renowned FH specialist in Boca Raton, Dr. Seth Baum, impacted individuals, and caregivers affected by this common genetic disorder. In addition, PTS Diagnostics will be providing free cholesterol testing throughout the reception in an effort to help people know their cholesterol levels and find out if they could be at risk of FH.
All funds raised during the event will go to help the FH Foundation find every person and family with FH so they can get the care and support they need.
To purchase tickets or make a donation, click here.
The FH Foundation is grateful to its generous sponsors to make this event possible:
