'Died and revived' speaker at 'Strong Heart 2 Soul' luncheon

Congestive heart failure survivor Fatima Mathews is taking her life-changing experience of having “died on the table and been revived” to help educate others on the topic of a healthy heart.

Mathews is launching “Strong Heart 2 Soul,” a business consulting firm offering speaking engagements to help others better navigate their health care or the care of their relatives.

The public is invited to attend a luncheon at 11 a.m. Feb. 18 at the Niagara Falls Train Station, home to the Underground Railroad Heritage Center. Mathews will be a featured speaker in honor of Black History Month. She will be joined by Dr. Eram Chaudhry from Trinity Medical Group, Dr. Jeffery Alexis from the University of Rochester Strong Memorial Hospital, and the head of diversity equity and inclusion at independent health, Dr. Michael O. Ayanbadejo.

The event will also host local vendors in the lobby.

Since her heart failure, Mathews has been supported by an LVAD machine, which regulates her heartbeat. She said she has learned to show others in her situation how to continue to live a “strong, heart 2 soul” lifestyle.

Mathews has also been a speaker at The American Heart Association events and will be speaking Feb. 7 at the “Go Red” Luncheon.

Tickets for the Feb. 18 luncheon are $20 and available at EventBrite (“Annual strong heart 2 soul luncheon”), or at the door. The Underground Railroad museum is located at 825 Depot Ave., Niagara Falls. For more information or to make a reservation, email [email protected].