Kendall Ford of Meridian was proud to present the 2016 Red Dress Award with the American Heart Association. This award recognizes women in Idaho who have made significant lifestyle changes and a commitment to live a heart healthy life, and after receiving several nominations from the community, and holding an online vote through our Facebook page, we are excited to introduce Jean Basom as the 2016 Red Dress Award winner!

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Jean has been a critical care nurse for over 25 years, taking care of individuals with many different health problems including cardiac disease.  In 1984 she was appointed Manager of Critical Care at Saint Alphonsus and took the position of Cardiac and Neurological Services Director in 1986. Over the next 10 years she led the development of the cardiac program in the Heart and Vascular Center. Jean’s impact to the heart care and heart health of thousands of individuals throughout the region is significant.

She maintains her personal health by balancing running, stair climbing, and weights. She has completed many Olympic distance triathlons and fun runs. She has run 10 marathons, including qualifying for and running in the Boston Marathon on two occasions. Her father died of heart disease, so taking care of her own heart as well as creating services to care for others has been a lifelong focus. Congratulations to Jean for being a shining example of heart health in our community!