The 2006 Red Dress Rally at the South Carolina State House.

Ladies at the Rally.

Ladies, left to right, are Helen Brooke, Gail Kucera, Emma Dell McMahon, Jessie Robinson, and Jessie's friend.

President and CEO of Providence Hospital, Steve Purves is speaking. Governor Mark Sanford is in the background.

On February 1, 2006, Providence Heart Hospital and the American Heart Association held a Red Dress Rally at the South Carolina State House to help spread the message about the threat of heart disease among women. Several of Mended Hearts Chapter 189 members joined over 200 women all dressed in red at the State House.

Governor Mark Sanford read a proclamation officially declaring February 1 Red Dress Day. Providence heart patient Stephanie Dempsey was the keynote speaker at the rally. She told of her heart problem at the age of 30. Lieutenant Governor Andre Bauer then spoke on the importance of heart disease with women. Additionally, the President and CEO of Providence Hospital, Steve Purves, spoke on behalf of Providence Hospital.

The Red Dress Campaign has brought real awareness to the issue of women and heart disease.

Thanks to our Mended Hearts Chapter 189 ladies - all dressed in red - who attended the rally.