Age: 59
Sex: Female
Race: Caucasian
Occupation: Retired Administrative Assistant

History

• Family history of high cholesterol which she controls by medication
• Lost both parents to heart attacks
• Survived over 5 heart attacks
• Family history of high blood pressure which she controls by medication

Turning Point
Faye Douglas survived a massive heart attack in Dec. 2000. She almost didn’t call for help because she had previously had a cardiac catheter showing no blockage and multiple stress tests. The pain was just enough for her to call 911. The paramedics arrived and said Faye was ok, but her daughter who was 71/2 months pregnant at the time insisted that she go to the hospital.  Doctors did a heart catheterization which showed no blockages. They only found high cholesterol & triglycerides, which had been medically controlled. Six days after the heart catheterization, Faye had the massive heart attack that gave her a 10-15% chance to make it through the night. Faye survived with no major heart muscle damage. 

Nov of 2006 Faye had another attack and required another stent to be inserted.

April of 2007, while visiting friends in North Carolina, Faye had another heart attack. In the CCU they informed her that she needed another heart catheterization or possibly bypass surgery. Thankfully, the medication and the catheterization cleared the blockage and Faye returned home.

Today
Faye’s problem cannot be found by stress tests or on EKGs. She can be fine one moment and the next in distress.  Luckily, Faye has been able to determine between when she is having Angina pain and needs to take nitro and the times when she needs to call 911. She stays under constant medical care seeing Internal Medicine doctors and Cardiologists on a regular basis.  Faye takes medication as prescribed, but isn’t "safe" from having another heart attack. Faye now has two grandchildren and considers herself very lucky to be living to see them.

Designer Statements:

Dress Inspiration
Tania, a survivor, gave me the inspiration for the design of the red dress.  When I saw her picture, I instantly had a visual of what her dress should be.  It was also her personality and spirit that inspired me.

Dress Concept
I wanted to design an intelligent dress that is clean and classic, but also modern.  In today’s fashion, women want something that is flattering with a nice fit.  My concept was to make a red dress that any woman can wear.

Where are you from?
Dallas, TX

Work Experience
I have no fashion or retail work experience.  I just have the drive and determination to become a well known designer.

Favorite Designers
Valentino, Roberto Cavalli

Future Goals
My goal is to have my garments in a store in 2008.  Also, I plan to launch my line, “La’Daska Mechelle” by Fall 2008.