Red was the color of choice at the Cardinal at North Hills’ most recent event, and for good reason.
Inspired by the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement, the Kisco Signature Community in Raleigh, NC, hosted its annual fashion show on Feb. 2, National Wear Red Day. Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women, causing one in three deaths each year. Overall, 31% of assisted living residents have heart disease, and 48% have high blood pressure.
Kathleen Monahan, a resident of the continuing care retirement community, not only attended the show but participated on the runway. She was glad to help shine a spotlight on an important cause.
“Years ago, there was a women’s health initiative, and they realized that most of the heart health was focused on men,” Monahan said. “It was always thought that the men died first from heart attacks, but now they’re finding out that it’s a serious problem among women as well as men, and it has to be addressed. Hopefully, events like this will put more focus on it.”
Monahan estimates that there were as many as 50 participants on stage from all sections of the community. It may have been a crowded stage, but inclusivity was a big emphasis.
“We had everyone who wanted to participate. We had people from memory care, assisted living [and] skilled nursing,” Monahan said. “They came in their wheelchairs, walkers and canes; they looked beautiful and did a nice job.”
Outfits were provided by local retailers, such as Chico’s, J. McLaughlin, Lilly Pulitzer and Charlotte’s. Because participants were given the outfits they showcased, Monahan obtained a floral-themed outfit that she said she plans to wear for community luaus in the future. She also happened to give a great pitch to some prospective neighbors.
“When the three of us went to Lilly Pulitzer to try on these clothes, the sales girls were so helpful. They were saying, ‘Tell us about the Cardinal,’ and we told them about all the fun we’re having. I said, ‘Maybe you have a mother or a grandmother that may be interested,’ and they said, ‘We’re interested!’ I said, ‘Put your name on the list.’”
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