LaGRANGE — The conference hall of West Georgia Tech’s Callaway Conference Center resonated with laughter Thursday.

Connie Carey, keynote speaker of West Georgia Health’s ninth annual Heart Truth for Women Luncheon, shared a message of the power of humor to improve one’s health and well-being. About 500 people attended the Thursday luncheon.

Carey blends comic relief with music to bring a message of motivation and inspiration.

The accomplished pianist and flutist has also written a book, “Falling Up: Lessons Learned on the Way Down,” and was named the 2015 Georgia Author of the Year in the inspirational-religious category. She was among the top 18 out of 30,000 contestants in the 2013 Toastmasters International World Championship of Public Speaking.

In the book, she chronicles with humor and honesty her journey through the grief, guilt and anger she experienced after her father’s suicide.

After her presentation, Carey gave copies of her book to those whose lives had been directly affected by the suicide of a friend or family member.

Attendees also were serenaded with “Songs from the Heart” performed by Dr. Jay Giesler, Anthony Criswell, Jerry Fulks, Dr. Rod Duraski and Dr. James Brennan.

This year’s Heart Truth for Women Luncheon was sponsored by West Georgia Health with Emory at LaGrange and Heart of West Georgia.