CONEY ISLAND — On Tuesday evening at Keyspan Park, singer Jenn Costantino plans to make the national anthem especially “heartfelt” by bringing awareness to the fact that heart disease and stroke are the country’s number one and three killers, respectively.
Both a heart-disease survivor and budding recording artist, Costantino will sing the anthem as the Brooklyn Cyclones take on the Vermont Lake Monsters.
She sees this as an opportunity not only to highlight the importance of being proactive with respect to heart health, but also to serve as a sign of hope for those who have experienced heart disease.
Costantino had battery replacement surgery on her pacemaker exactly three weeks ago and just finished recording her first album.
“If I’m here singing the national anthem, or even able to record an album, others can follow their dreams, too — no matter the obstacles,” she says.
An artist in many ways, Costantino graduated from Parsons School of Design with a BFA in fashion before turning to singing. She has appeared in various TV spots including Ed and Law & Order.
Costantino was born in Brooklyn, where her grandfather, Federal Judge Mark A. Costantino, had his chambers. Her mother is the superintendent of Brooklyn school district 20, which includes Bay Ridge and surrounding neighborhoods. Although now living in Manhattan, Costantino calls Brooklyn her favorite borough.
The Brooklyn Cyclones have joined forces with the American Heart Association (AHA) in an effort to educate the Brooklyn borough where cardiovascular disease and stroke have a significant stronghold.
Statistically, blacks and Hispanics have an increased risk of suffering both cardiovascular illnesses, and combined, the two groups account for more than half of the borough’s population, according to 2005-2007 American Community Survey estimates.
“Heart disease is something that has touched us all in one way or another,” said Cyclones General Manager Steven Cohen. “The Cyclones are proud to partner with the American Heart Association. Brooklyn fans are vigorous in their loyalty and support of our team, and we expect that they will lend that same passion to a truly worthy cause.”
The event supports the inaugural Brooklyn Start! Heart Walk on Oct. 11 in Prospect Park. The walk, which is part of the larger Start! movement from the AHA, encourages activity as a means to live longer, more heart-healthy lives. For more information visit americanheart.org.
— Caitlin McNamara
Brooklyn Daily Eagle
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