David Jorden experienced the first in a series of heart attacks at age 49.
In April of 1993, he underwent triple coronary bypass surgery at the Altoona Hospital. Following the surgery, he was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, an inflammation of the heart muscle. In October 1999, a procedure to insert an internal cardiac defibrillator was performed.
Two years later, David traveled to Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh for stent surgery, which was followed in early 2002 by Enhanced External Counterpulsation, a non-invasive technique to improve heart function.
Growing progressively weaker, Jorden’s last option was a heart transplant. This surgery was performed at Presbyterian Hospital in April 2002.
Because of the progression of his heart condition, Jorden retired from Penelec at 50 years of age. Although he was limited in physical activity, he managed to keep his sense of humor and get involved in hobbies, such as computer technology and target shooting.
His wife and four children were a constant source of love and support throughout his 15-year ordeal involving more than 30 hospitalizations and many procedures.
In the last few months before his heart transplant surgery, Jorden endured many hours of pain each day.
Now, Jorden, at age 65, is being honored as the honorary chairperson of the Twelfth Annual American Heart Association Sweetheart Ball, scheduled for Feb. 15 in the main ballroom at the Lakemont Park Casino.
The ball will begin with a silent auction at 6 p.m. in the SoHo Room with complimentary hors d’ouevres, champagne and strawberries. Dinner includes a choice of salmon filet or vegetarian dish, followed by a Viennesse table dessert buffet extravaganza.
Barry Wright, master of ceremonies, will then conduct a live auction immediately after the dinner.
A preview of the auction items includes: a 2-night stay in New York City and tickets to a Broadway show; a $1,000 scholarship to Mount Aloysius College; gourmet dinner for eight in Chef Simons’ home; tickets to Yanni at the Bryce Jordan Center; autographed sports memorabilia; children’s collectible; a Diamond Heart Pendant necklace; a Toftrees Four-Star Golf Resort package; and much more.
Gary Racon and the Studio-e Band of Pittsburgh will provide music for the evening from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. The Medpark Division of the Alpha Management Corporation will provide valet parking.
Major corporate sponsors for the Sweetheart Ball are Bon Secours-Holy Family Regional Health System, FirstEnergy Foundation and Pfizer Inc.
Tickets for the Ball are $75 per person and can be made by contacting the American Heart Association at 949-3160.
Jorden’s daughter, Beth Luther, credits her father’s survival to advances in medical technology.
“What’s amazing is how technology has changed from 15 years ago to now,” said Luther. “When my dad had his first heart attack, they could not offer him the medications and procedures that have developed in the past couple of years.”
She recalls the physical and emotional hardships her father experienced.
“The way that heart patients have to live life – they are the heroes,” said Luther. “They are the ones that physically and mentally endure pain.”
The Jorden family also credits the AHA for playing a key role in funding the research resulting in technological advances.
“What we really need to focus on is the money that is used for research if what keeps people like my dad alive,” said Luther. “The doctors never gave up on my father. Thanks to the American Heart Association, there was always a ‘next step’ to extend the quality of his life.”
Because of his heart transplant, David Jorden was finally able to pick up and hold his youngest grandchild, an act he was never strong enough to accomplish with his other eight grandchildren. He and his wife Barbara now have dreams of traveling to Scotland.
In looking forward to this year’s Sweetheart Ball, Luther commented: “At past Sweetheart Balls, my family and I would listen to the success stories of other heart disease survivors and wish it would be us one day.
“Now, here we are.”
According to Sweetheart Ball Co-Chairwomen Dee Lowery and Patti Moncman, the goal for 2003 is $70,000.
“This past year has been a very difficult year for many non-profit organizations to raise the needed funding for programs, however, we are cautiously optimistic that with the help of the local community, we will meet our 2003 goal,” said Lowery. “Various local businesses have stepped to the plate to support our cause and we are most grateful for their continued support.”
Proceeds from the Sweetheart Ball and other AHA fundraiser are used for heart disease and stroke research and education. On the local level, the association’s Blair County Division offers various programs and services to schools, businesses and organizations which include a speaker’s bureau, blood pressure screenings, stroke risk assessments, CPR classes and educational materials addressing all aspects of heart disease and stroke.
In Pennsylvania, major teaching hospitals such as Children’s Hospitals of Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, Geisinger Medical Center and the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center receive AHA monies for research in cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
“Heart disease is the number one killer and stroke is the number three killer in our nation,” said Anthea L. Germano, communications chairwoman for the association’s Blair County Division. “Every year since 1963, Congress requires the president to designate February as American Heart Month to encourage all Americans to join the battle against these diseases. The American Heart Association is the largest non-governmental supporter of heart disease and stroke research and is the authority on cardiovascular diseases information.”
The theme for American Heart Month 2003 is “Get Hands On and Help Save a Life.” The AHA urges individuals and businesses to learn CPR, know the signs, symptoms and risk factors of heart attack and stroke and support automatic external defibrillator programs in the community.
Other activities scheduled for February include a remote broadcast by radio station WALY 103.9 outside the entrance to Kaufmann’s Department Store in the Logan Valley Mall. The broadcast will take place from 7-9 a.m. on Friday and will feature free blood pressure screenings provided by HealthSouth and complimentary carnations donated by Peterman’s Florists.
Throughout the month of February, Kaufmanns will donate a percentage of the proceeds for every new credit account to the Blair County division.
For more information about American Heart Month or other AHA programs, contact 949-3160.
