April 16, 2010 is a day that Alice Matiz of Jersey City will never forget. It is the day that her 29-year-old sister, Maritza, died from pulmonary hypertension, abnormally high blood pressure.
A condition that causes the right side of the heart to pump harder than normal, it decreases oxygen flow from the arteries of the lungs. It can take months to diagnose.
“My sister looked very healthy on the outside and her condition was being managed medically by doctors,” Matiz said last week. “However, when she fainted that day [the day she passed away]; it was a surprise.”
“Losing my only sister, it makes me reexamine my life.” – Alice Matiz
____________
When Maritza’s illness was discovered three years ago, she was first diagnosed with scleroderma, an auto immune disease that leads to hardening of the organs and damages lungs. Additional test confirmed pulmonary hypertension.
“My sister was feisty, talented, intelligent, and believed in speaking her mind. I want to keep her memory alive,” Alice added.
In keeping with Maritza’s memory, Alice is hosting a June 11 fundraising event in conjunction with the Pulmonary Hypertension Association and the Jersey City Resident Arts and Services Center. Besides showing Maritza’s work, three local artists will exhibit as well.
The Resident Arts and Services Center, on Kennedy Boulevard, is a place where residents can exhibit artwork as long as they do community service in the city, according to Ralph Torres. Torres is the youth coordinator for three churches in Jersey City Heights: St. Ann’s; St. Paul of the Cross; and St. Nicholas. The non-profit art space on Kennedy is off-site from St. Ann’s Church and is provided for free by the church, according to Torres.
500 to 1,000 new cases annually
The event is bringing the community together in solidarity, according to Alice.
“I’m so excited and the proceeds are going to the Jersey City art center and the PH association,” Alice said.
The artists who will exhibit include Bojana Coklyat, Ana Luisa, and Brian Hircshberg.
In addition, two poets will read their work: Alisa Raymond and Feliza Mirasol. The event will also host Bomba and Salsa dancing, as well as a musical performance by the Audiobodies and the 1&9s. Refreshment will be provided.
“Losing my only sister, it makes me reexamine my life,” Alice Matiz said.
Tickets for the event are $10 and can be purchased at the center at 3487 Kennedy Blvd. in Jersey City.
For more information about pulmonary hypertension, visit www.phassociation.org.