The Alpha Phi’s spent the first week in February celebrating National Heart Health Week.

Women’s heart health is Alpha Phi’s philanthropic cause, and the group of women devoted some time each day to getting the word out about how to be heart healthy.

Senior Katie Feder explained the reason the Alpha Phi’s take the time to celebrate heart health week.

“We want to help raise awareness about heart disease. The chapter wants to show examples of how to live a healthier life,” she said.

They used social media to share various pictures and videos with facts on heart health and how heart disease affects women. They also shared heart healthy recipes, provided real life stories of those who have been affected by heart disease, and all wore red on Feb. 7 for National Wear Red Day.

The Alpha Phi’s all seem to be very passionate about their cause.  Junior Gabby Martinez explains why.

“People can read statistics all they want,” she said, “but they won’t take it seriously until it affects them or someone they know. That’s why heart health week is important. We are able to get information and real life stories out to people. ”

For Martinez, heart health really hits home. Martinez was diagnosed with a heart murmur at birth, so Alpha Phi has really become a home for her.

“There are so many ways to keep your heart healthy,” she said. “I just think that what we do is really important. We are educating young women about ways to protect their hearts.”

All of the money that these women earn is given to the Alpha Phi Foundation who then donates the money to women’s heart health research, according to the Alpha Phi Foundation website. 

Besides celebrating Heart Health Week, the women of Alpha Phi hold various events throughout the year to support their cause. In the spring they hold an event called Cookies for a Cause where they sell cookies from Eileen’s Cookies.

In the fall they hold what is called The Red Dress Gala (RDG). This past fall was the Creighton Alpha Phi’s first ever RDG. It was a night devoted to dancing, dinner, and a silent and live auction all in the name of raising money for their philanthropic cause.

“The Red Dress Gala was definitely the highlight of my year so far,” said junior Erin Wetschka. “All of the Alpha Phi women dressed up in red dresses and had a blast.”

The girls put on this event by themselves. With all of their philanthropic efforts, a whopping $18,000 was raised to send off to the Alpha Phi foundation last semester.

Those who want to learn more about Alpha Phi and heart health are encouraged to visit the Alpha Phi Foundation website at http://www.alphaphifoundation.org