February is National Heart Month, and Main Line Health kicked off their month-long celebration to improve awareness about women and heart disease risks by crowning their Queen of Hearts at center court at the

February 1 Sixers Game at the Wells Fargo Center.  The Queen of Hearts campaign recognizes a local woman for her commitment to raising awareness of heart disease and demonstrating a heart-healthy lifestyle.

The 2013 Queen of Hearts, Elizabeth McDermott of Wynnewood, PA, is a survivor of heart disease. At 32 weeks into her pregnancy, McDermott experienced heart failure and complications that had her fighting for her life in Lankenau Medical Center’s Intensive Care Unit. A cardiac nurse at Lankenau, McDermott is aware of the risks of heart disease, yet never thought it could happen to her. Her story of survival and renewed passion for leading a heart healthy lifestyle is an inspiration for all.

Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States. As the Philadelphia American Heart Association’s Go Red Champion, Main Line Health embraces a passion for fighting heart disease. A regional leader in heart care, Main Line Health is committed to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of heart disease and shares a passion for women throughout the region as they Go Red to celebrate National Heart Month throughout February.

On the court to crown the Queen of Hearts are (from left) Lisa Hawes, Sixers Go Red Ambassador and mother of Sixers  player Spencer Hawes; JoAnn Magnatta, senior VP, Facilities Design and Construction/Real Estate, Main Line Health; Elizabeth McDermott, the 2013 “Queen of Hearts”; and Erin O’Malley Tysko, MD, Main Line Health cardiologist and 2013 AHA Philadelphia Go Red Champion.