The “Close To My Heart” Project - Part II
A few months ago, I posted a note about a special project for women heart surgery patients called the “Close To My Heart Project”. As you might remember, a Florida-based artist, Angelica Hoyos, was looking to create artistic portraits of female heart surgery patients.
The goal of Angelica’s project is to help women view heart surgery as something magical, not a terrible curse. It is Angelica’s belief that the scar is a symbol of courage and inspiration. I completely agree!
Anyways, Angelica just emailed me an update with some pieces from the collection. I thought you might like to see how incredible women heart surgery patients can look post-operation. In my opinion, these portraits are… stunning.
The first portrait is of Sanjana Chopra:

The next portrait is of Aimee Jackson:

So you know, there will be a fund raising event this Saturday, July 11, from 7-10pm in Fort Lauderdale, Florida at the Pangae Lounge, 5707 Seminole Way. Here is the invitation if you are interested in attending. FYI, that is Debra North in the portrait on the invitation.

For more information, please contact Angelica Hoyos directly at (954) 665 3850.
Thanks Angelica!!!
Keep on tickin!

P.S. To leave a comment, please click here.
About The Author: Adam Pick is a double, heart valve surgery patient and author of The Patient’s Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. This unique book integrates the clinical facts of heart valve surgery with the personal experiences of 78 former valve surgery patients to help patients and caregivers better understand the problems, the opportunities and the realities of heart valve surgery. To learn more about Adam and his heart valve surgery book, click here.
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July 16th, 2009 at 10:16 pm
I am moved by the determination and dedication of our dear friend Angelica. I am a 38 year old heart valve patient and I was speaking to her of the changes one goes through to live with the scar. While some scowl most recognize it as a badge of honor. Angelica is an amazing empowering woman who helped me go for my dreams too. My husband and I packed up and left our cushy life in Fort Laud. FL and moved to Fort Scott, KS. We are now living in an abandoned 42,000 sq ft school we purchased and we are aspiring to build a community art center and art retreat called the Painted Blackboard. I thank god for Angelica and I hope to soon be a member of her photo series. If we are fortunate we too will be exhibiting her grand exposition at the Painted Blackboard.
Thank you and here’s to you for your courage to coach people through a very challenging time that comes with little instruction or coping supervision. I wish I had your book when I had my open-heart two years ago. I am gracious to have emerged from my replacement a fulfilled woman.