Aussie rock icon Jon Stevens is telling his tale of surviving open heart surgery in his latest leading role as Ambassador for the Heart Foundation, supporting Give with Heart Day on 14 September.
For decades, he’s performed to sell-out crowds as a solo artist and as the lead singer of legendary bands including Noiseworks and INXS.
Jon, now 60, has a strong desire to spread the message about heart disease: in 2009, a routine health check-up found an anomaly in his heart resulting in open heart surgery. Following the surgery, Jon said he felt he had been given a second chance at life.
His message is simple:
“I’m urging Australians to have heart health checks and to support research into heart disease by digging deep for Give with Heart Day,” Jon said.
“My mission is to raise awareness of heart disease and heart health because too many Australians die of heart attacks that could have been prevented.”
These days Jon has not only recovered but is feeling fit and healthy thanks to diet and lifestyle changes and has just finished a 70-show national tour.
Heart Foundation CEO David Lloyd said Jon’s story was a great example of the impact Aussies could have through donating to the Heart Foundation.
“Decades of vital research supported by the Heart Foundation mean that Jon and others in his position can now be treated, supported in their recovery, and empowered to go on living their best lives,” Mr Lloyd said.
“There is more work to be done to ensure this is the case for all Australians and all forms of heart disease, and we are thrilled to have Jon on this journey with us.”
It was 35 years ago (1986) that Noiseworks was formed by Jon Stevens and Stuart ‘Chet’ Fraser. To mark the anniversary and in honour of Stuart who passed away from cancer in 2019, Jon Stevens and newly reformed group Noiseworks, which includes guitarist Jack Jones released the first single ‘Heart & Soul’ off their new album on 15 August. Click here to listen to the track.
Give with Heart Day which takes place on 14 September is the Heart Foundation’s annual 24-hour fundraising challenge. This year the Heart Foundation is aiming to raise $1 million to help continue to fund breakthrough research, so more Australians can live longer and healthier lives.
