Go Red for Women — the Survivors

 

Every year, cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year. And every year, the American Heart Association (AHA) continues its signature initiative, Go Red for Women, designed to increase awareness to this salvageable statistic, institute change and save lives.

 

“It’s no longer just about wearing red; it’s no longer just about sharing heart health facts,” AHA says in a statement on its website. “It’s about all women making a commitment to stand together with Go Red and taking charge of their own heart health, as well as the health of those they can’t bear to live without.”

 

This month, the AHA is hosting its annual Central Arkansas Go Red for Women Luncheon on May 20 at noon in the Benton Event Center. Tickets to the luncheon will include lunch, and proceeds from both the luncheon and the on-site auction will go toward continuing the mission of reducing heart disease, as about 80 percent of life-threatening cardiac episodes are preventable. 

 

As with past years, the itinerary for the Go Red for Women Luncheon will be the opportunity for attendees to meet and hear the stories of local survivors of cardiac events. Chief among the themes this year is reaching new demographics — younger women and women of color. 

 

“Making a commitment to your health isn’t something you have to do alone either, so grab a friend or a family member and make a Go Red Healthy Behavior Commitment today.”

 

Read the stories of this year’s survivors below.

 

• Monica Mackey-Walker

• Tichina Taylor

• Chelsea Harmon 

• Dr. Sadie Mitchell

• Sofia Young

 

Go Red for Women Luncheon

Friday, May 20

Benton Event Center.

For more information, visit heart.org