On the evening of June 19th, Heart of the Hamptons hosted the centennial celebration of the American Heart Association at Wölffer Estate Wine Stand. The event featured a silent auction, delicious food, wine, lawn games, and live music. Later in the evening, guests were graced with a beautiful sunset overlooking the vineyard.
2023 NYC Woman of Impact winner Cristina Civetta was one of the speakers at the event on Wednesday. Civetta’s story of heart disease began when she was just sixteen hours old. Diagnosed with a congenital heart condition, her mother was informed her daughter was in total heart failure. A survivor and advocate, Civetta lives by the sentiment that everyday is the biggest gift. “We have to keep living,” said Civetta.
“I need to change the narrative of what heart disease looks like,” shares Civetta. The Impact Award winner explained how many were surprised to learn she had heart disease, as she appears young, fit, and healthy.
Civetta believed that she needed to open people’s eyes to the various forms heart disease can take, its effects on different demographics, and its preventability. “One of my big messages is advocating for yourself. Know what to ask doctors and speak up if something feels wrong,” she said.
Civetta also underscored how heart disease is a woman’s issue. She highlighted how mothers often discover their heart conditions too late, as they tend to dismiss symptoms as mere fatigue or stress. “It is so important to be able to say something feels wrong and I’m gonna take the time to go figure out what that is,” she emphasized.
Civetta urges women to know their numbers. “You need to know your blood pressure, cholesterol, and all those metrics. Learn as much as you can about your health so you can recognize when something is wrong. “
Heart of the Hamptons is a nonprofit organization that offers a food pantry and assistance outreach to members of the community in need. Visit the site to learn more about opportunities to donate and volunteer.

[Photos courtesy of Alexis Cornachio and America Heart Association]
American Heart Association: heart.org