West earns top honor at 'Lee Heart Ball'

Dr. Steven R. West was honored as the first recipient of the American Heart Association's "Dr. Pascotto Golden Heart Award" at the 2008 Lee Heart Ball Saturday at the Hyatt Regency in Coconut Point.

The American Heart Association presented him with the "Dr. Pascotto Gold Heart Award," re-named for Dr. Robert Pascotto, who was the inaugural recipient of the Gold Heart in 2003 (and the first open heart surgeon in Southwest Florida).

The award is presented to a physician that has given a lifelong contribution to improving heart health within the community. Dr. West, a cardiologist and graduate of the Indiana University School of Medicine, has volunteered numerous hours as a leader of and member in several nonprofit organizations, including the American Heart Association, over the past 20 years.

"We are truly privileged to have such a distinguished physician serving our community," said Regan Goldberg, vice president of the Southwest Florida field operations for the American Heart Association. "Dr. West is a true ambassador for the 'Dr. Pascotto Golden Heart Award.'"

Dr. West, along with his wife, Jane, and their five children have lived in Fort Myers for 22 years.

Over 650 guests attended this year's Lee Heart Ball last week, themed "Heart Throb," the 27th annual benefit ball to be held for the American Heart Association.