Cross River woman raising awareness, money for AHA

Cross River resident Jen Mayadas-Dering is bringing awareness to gender bias in health care.  CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Campaign highlights misdiagnosis, dismissal of women’s heart symptoms

By NEAL RENTZ

Jen Mayadas-Dering’s condition was dire.

After 14 doctors dismissed her heart failure symptoms, Mayadas-Dering, a former professional racquetball player from Cross River, was near death. She recalled that one doctor told her “just lose weight.” 

Mayadas-Dering, 56, was eventually accurately diagnosed — she needed a heart transplant. 

Her severe heart failure, caused by cardiomyopathy, required immediate hospitalization. Doctors took 30 pounds of fluid from her body and within weeks she was able to receive a life-saving heart transplant at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla.

In response to her health experiences, Mayadas-Dering took action. She is channeling her experience into a fundraising campaign for the American Heart Association’s Leaders of Impact program. She calls her group of supporters “Team Heartprint.”

She hopes the seven-week campaign will bring awareness to gender bias in health care and encourage women to advocate for themselves in doctors’ offices. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Protection, heart disease is the number one killer of American women. Mayadas-Dering believes gender bias in medicine delays accurate diagnosis. 

Her message to other women, “Don’t let my story become your story.”  

Mayadas-Dering told The Recorder there has been a long history of gender bias in medicine. 

“Women’s symptoms, especially for heart disease, often present differently than men’s and are too easily dismissed as stress, anxiety, or even weight-related issues,” she said. 

Having a doctor tell her that her issue was weight delayed her diagnosis, she said.

“There’s also a tendency to downplay women’s pain or concerns, which can lead to misdiagnosis,” she said. 

Mayadas-Dering said she has been gratified by the public’s support.

“The response has been incredibly heartwarming and encouraging. So many women have reached out to share their own stories of being dismissed or misdiagnosed, which shows just how widespread this issue is,” she said. “It’s been both heartbreaking and motivating to hear these stories. At the same time, I’ve seen a lot of support from people who want to help amplify this message and make a difference.”

The campaign has brought together people from the town and Westchester County, Mayadas-Dering said. “It’s a reminder that advocacy and awareness can truly save lives,” she said. 

“My biggest piece of advice is to trust your instincts and advocate for yourself,” she said. “No one knows your body better than you. If you feel like something is wrong, don’t let anyone dismiss your concerns. Keep asking questions, seek second or even third opinions and don’t be afraid to push for tests or referrals. It’s also important to bring someone with you to appointments if you can. Having an advocate by your side can make a big difference.” 

“Advocate for yourself,” Mayadas-Dering said. “Your heart knows.”

Donations can be made directly to her Leaders of Impact campaign, which supports the American Heart Association’s work in women’s heart health and research.

“Every contribution helps amplify patient voices, fund lifesaving research and raise awareness about the unique challenges women face when it comes to heart disease,” Mayadas-Dering said.

Those wishing to donate can visit https://bit.ly/46Mi6wH.

Her campaign runs through Nov. 5. Nearly $10,000 has been pledged so far. 

“I am so thankful, but we do have a long way to go to reach our goal of $50,000,” Mayadas-Dering said. “I know that’s an ambitious goal, but this issue is too important. Anyone who makes a donation to the American Heart Association through Heartprints should know their thoughtfulness could help save the life of their mother, another relative, a friend, or themselves.”