HIAWATHA, Iowa, Oct. 12, 2022 — Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women, claiming more women’s lives than all forms of cancer combined. The American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, aims to raise awareness of women’s greatest health threat at the Cedar Rapids Go Red for Women® Luncheon on Friday, Nov. 4, 2022.

Go Red for Women is the American Heart Association’s signature initiative designed to promote women’s heart health. Individual tickets are still available and can be purchased at www.heart.org/CedarRapidsGoRed.

Patti Seda, owner and executive coach of Seda Consulting, serves as chair of the Go Red for Women campaign in Cedar Rapids. Kathy Horan, president and CEO of UnityPoint Health-AbbeHealth, serves as vice chair.

  • The event will take place Friday, Nov. 4 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Center. Registration, silent auction and exhibitors open at 10 a.m. and the luncheon takes place from 12-1 p.m.
  • The luncheon features a silent auction with more than 100 packages, an exciting live auction and a panel discussion featuring doctors and survivors.
  • The panel discussion will feature two doctors from UnityPoint Health, Cedar Rapids: Dr. Laila Payvandi, MD, cardiologist, St. Luke’s Heart Clinic and Dr. Julie Beard, DO, emergency medicine physician. Stroke survivor Sharon Roller and heart disease survivor Jan Martin will share their stories as part of the panel.
  • In addition to raising awareness, this year’s event aims to train all attendees on Hands-Only CPR. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to learn this lifesaving skill, which takes as little as 5 minutes.

“Recent Go Red for Women surveys show that young women are less likely to be aware that heart disease is their greatest health threat,” said Seda, a consultant who provides workplace coaching and development. “Awareness is key for women to recognize warning signs and get the treatment they need.”

Since 2004, Go Red for Women has had a profound impact on women’s health. As the trusted, passionate and relevant force to eradicate heart disease and stroke, through the Go Red for Women movement, the American Heart Association remains steadfast and committed to meeting the comprehensive health needs of women — at every life stage.

The Go Red for Women Event is designed to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death for women in the United States, as well as generate funds for lifesaving cardiovascular research for women. This year’s event marks 20 years of Go Red for Women in Cedar Rapids.

“This event is about more than wearing red and sharing heart-health facts,” said Horan, whose company, AbbeHealth, specializes in mental health and aging services. “This event is about women standing together for a common purpose. Together, we can fight heart disease and stroke.”

Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and the Cedar Rapids luncheon is locally presented by UnityPoint Health, Cedar Rapids.

For more information and to register to attend the Go Red for Women Luncheon, email heidi.hora@heart.org or www.heart.org/CedarRapidsGoRed.

 

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About Go Red for Women® 
The American Heart Association’s signature initiative, Go Red for Women®, is a comprehensive platform designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. While nearly 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 women. For 18 years, Go Red for Women has encouraged awareness. The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power of women to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them tools they need to lead a heart healthy life. The Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, with additional support from national cause supporters. For more information, please visit GoRedforWomen.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721). 

About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – the two leading causes of death in the world. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit heart.org or call any of our offices around the country. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

 

For Media Inquiries:  
Bryan Geelan: bryan.geelan@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) 
heart.org and stroke.org