“Shake It For Shea”: Inspirational Gala Raises Heartfelt Funds
Just hours after she was born 9 weeks early, in June of 2022, Shea Greenfield’s heart stopped beating.
Doctors saved her life. But she was diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome. Her heart’s electrical system takes longer than usual to recharge between beats. She is at risk of fainting, seizures, cardiac arrest and sudden death.
There is no cure for the condition. And Shea’s condition is one of the most severe her doctors have ever seen.
Shea’s parents, Mark and Kira, had moved to Westport a year earlier. In addition to educating themselves about LQTS, they began raising funds for the Mayo Clinic, where Dr. Michael Ackerman’s team does cutting-edge research.
Last year, the Greenfields organized a fundraiser. The day before the event — set for an outdoor space — Canadian wildfires made the venue impossible.
In 18 hours, caterer OnTheMarc managed to relocate everything to The Warehouse at Fairfield Theatre Company.
It was an amazing effort. And it raised $290,000 for Dr. Ackerman’s lab. “The turnout, love and support of this community has been incredible,” the Greenfields say. “In good times and bad, people show up.”
That’s the yin and yang of the family’s journey. They face a devastating disease, but they’ve been buoyed by so many people they only recently met.
The Greenfields continue to pay it forward.
In the aftermath of that first “Shake it for Shea” gala, they launched Hearts in Harmony Foundation. The non-profit is a fundraising vehicle for Dr. Ackerman’s further research.
The 2nd annual “Shake it for Shea” fundraiser for the Mayo Clinic doctor is set for June 6 — back at the FTC Warehouse.
The great Bobby Attiko Band — who performed at Mark and Kira’s 2017 wedding — has again donated their services. Many other vendors are working pro bono too.
The night of eating, drinking and dancing runs from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.
The effects of the research that the funds enable will last far longer.
(Click here for tickets, and more information. Can’t make it? Donations are always welcome, at the same link. To donate through a donor-advised fund or a company, or for questions, email markgreenfield1@gmail.com.