Peekskill Teen Sells “I Heart My Heart” Bracelets at HVHC Heart Fair

When 15-year-old Jordyn Phillips found out that her mom needed heart surgery in September, her heart almost stopped.

The Peekskill High School student said the thought of possibly losing her mother was a scary experience. But her mother’s heart valve surgery inspired Jordyn to send a message to parents: “Take care of your heart. You owe it to your children.”

To spread this message, Jordyn has created I (heart) my heart bracelets and is selling them to raise funds for Hudson Valley Hospital Center’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Department and other heart healthy causes. She and her 11-year-old sister, Maya, will be selling them on Feb. 11 at Hudson Valley Hospital Center’s Health Fair.

“It really had an impact on me,’’ said Jordyn. “After my mom came home we discussed what I could do to make a difference, and we came up with the I (heart) my heart.”

The $5 rubber bracelets are white with a heart and red lettering and come in a red nylon drawstring bag. Each one comes with a written account of Jordyn’s experiences through her mother’s illness and recovery.

Maria Phillips, 43, said that she was very proud of her daughter not only for coming up with the idea to sell the bracelets, but for her support. Phillips went into the hospital on September 17 because of blurry vision, but doctors ultimately discovered damage to her heart valve. Doctors were able to repair the leaky valve and now Phillips is working to strengthen her heart in an outpatient program at Hudson Valley Hospital Center’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Center.

“I was really lucky,’’ said Phillips. “It made me think about taking better care of my heart.’’

As part of American Heart Month, Hudson Valley Hospital Center holds a Healthy

Heart Fair each year. This year’s fair is being held Feb. 11 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Hospital at 1980 Crompond Road in Cortlandt Manor. Nurses, dietitians and other health care professionals will be on hand to check cholesterol and blood pressure, and provide information on Stroke prevention, symptoms and rehabilitation, Heart Healthy Cooking and Eating, Cardiac Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Heart Healthy Exercise, Smoking Cessation and Wellness Coaching.

For more information call 914-734-3794. The event is free and open to the public.