David M. Shipon, MD, FACC, Medical Director Methodist Cardiac Rehabilitation, applauds the work of his cardiac team during his speech at the Fashion Show

 

Walking the Runway, Cardiologist David O'Neil, MD with Yung Vu of Central Scheduling

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2011 South Philly Fashion Goes High Society
Date: Sunday, October 30, 2011

Where: Sheraton Society Hill Hotel
Supporting: Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation
Info Here

 

 

 

 

 

Methodist Hospital Foundation's SOUTH PHILLY FASHION GOES HIGH SOCIETY mixed a dash of "Project Runway" with a sprinkling of "Top Chef" and a dollop of "Dancing with the Stars" to create a frothy fusion of fashion, food and fun. The 500 guests lucky enough to spend that crisp fall afternoon at the sparkling Sheraton Society Hill Hotel Grand Ballroom were not just there for the good time, but for the good cause.

This year, the funds raised went to the expansion of and additional equipment for the Jefferson University Hospitals/Methodist Division's Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation program. Known as one of only a few monitored cardiovascular wellness programs of its type in the Philadelphia area, patients live and learn about the importance of nutrition, smoking cessation stress management and exercise.

"Every year the fundraiser grows and, this year, the credit for that goes to those closest to the Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation program," Foundation Vice President Diane Pirollo said. "Then again, how can a person not rally around the cause of heart disease?"

That became clear from the very beginning as hundreds of people in the audience heard the warm welcome from Methodist Hospital Chief Administrative Officer and Foundation President James E. Robinson, that was followed up by the Cardiac Rehabilitation program's Medical Director, David M. Shipon, MD, FACC, stepping up to the mic. Dr. Shipon, a practicing non-invasive cardiologist who specializes in the prevention of heart disease, told the crowd about some inspiring people that have made conquering heart disease and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro intertwining missions.

"It's all about the climb to prevent heart disease." Eighty-year-old Dr. Paul Magelli Sr. and fellow physician, Robert Gillio, have more in common than being singled out by Dr. Shipon. Each has had heart attacks, and watched family members suffer the same. After participating in cardiac rehabilitation programs, they trekked up Mount Kilimanjaro together earlier this year. Known as "The Climb", their goal was to set an example to heart disease survivors that there is life after a cardiac episode and that increased physical activity reduces the risk of future cardiac events.

Dr. Shipon reinforced the message that today's behavior will make all the difference tomorrow. "It is clear this is the right time for the Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation program, a program that will put the prevention of heart disease first," he said. "It is a program that will impact today's generation and generations to come."

The day quickly jumped from conquering a world peak to conquering the runway. Seventeen models culled from volunteer Methodist staff and physicians donned street chic and sportswear, silk suits and evening gowns, in looks that wowed the crowd. Fashion coordinator Lauren Raske perfectly framed each physique with the little black dresses and funky fashions from the shops along Passyunk Avenue and in Rittenhouse Square.

Prior to the dazzling designs, sumptuous meal of chicken and garlic shrimp and sizzling salsa number by Dr. William Short, of Methodist's Division of Infectious Diseases and Environmental Medicine, and his partner, there was time to peruse the 30 gift baskets and silent auction items. Each basket up for raffle was crafted by a Methodist Hospital Department.

"The hospital staff always rises to the occasion, ready to dedicate their time and talents. Their baskets are done in the spirit of giving and I'm always astonished at how amazing they are," Pirollo said.

The event's first-ever silent auction proved a crowd-pleaser with items that came from local royalty: The city's beloved sports teams. It was impossible to resist bidding on a World Series baseball signed by Phillies Coach Charlie Manual or a jersey autographed by Eagle DeSean Jackson or Flyer Claude Giroux.

When he thought of the day, Dr. Shipon could not help but be reminded of the poem "The Ambulance Down in the Valley." It told of a town's choice to invest in a new fence for a cliff or continue to give to the ambulance company known for saving those that fall from it.

"Today we are supporting a program that will act as a 'fence' to cardiovascular disease, a fence that will put prevention first," Dr. Shipon said. "It is programs such as this that will help heart disease go from the number-one killer in our society to one of the more uncommon causes."
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