HOLLYWOOD, Fla. May 29, 2024 — On May 17, more than 250 people dressed in red attended the American Heart Association’s annual Go Red for Women Luncheon at the Diplomat Beach Resort in South Florida. Through the fundraiser event, the Association, a global force for longer, healthier lives, honored heart and stroke survivors, celebrated advancements in heart health and charted a new course toward a world free of cardiovascular disease, which claims the lives of 1 in 3 women in the U.S. In South Florida, over 4,000 women die from heart disease every year.
Funds from the event go toward saving and improving women’s lives by advancing equitable research and care, advocating for inclusive health policies and raising awareness of women’s number one health threat, cardiovascular disease (CVD).
The Go Red for Women Luncheon was hosted by news anchors Alejandra Molina with Telemundo51 and Trina Robinson with NBC6. The co-chairs were Ana VeigaMilton with the José Milton Foundation and Kathy Salerno with Broward Health.
“This year, we united two counties under one heart,” said VeigaMilton. “Helping to lead this campaign is personal to me because my family is my WHY. My father has had an implantable pacemaker for over 25 years, helping his heart keep pace. If you, like me, have a family member who was saved by an implantable pacemaker, immediate CPR or the use of an AED, or rapid treatment for a stroke – this is all thanks, in part, to the American Heart Association. “
“Whether it’s learning CPR, joining Research Goes Red, knowing your own risk factors, having an honest conversation with your doctor, or empowering another woman to prioritize her own health and well-being, there are so many ways to create a legacy of health in our families and our community,” said Marisol Garcia, executive director of the American Heart Association, Greater Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
One hundred years after its founding, the American Heart Association, devoted to a world of longer, healthier lives for all, looks to its premier women’s movement, Go Red for Women®, to help usher in a second century of pioneering progress towards health equity for women.
“I chose to support this campaign to celebrate the progress we’ve made over 20 years but more importantly, to inspire the South Florida community to demand more,” said Salerno. “But we can’t do it alone. Go Red for your mother, your daughter, your friends, and yourself. Because when we come together, we can motivate, educate, support and help save each other.”
Since 2004, the Go Red for Women movement has addressed the awareness and clinical care gaps of CVD for women. The movement celebrated 20 years of impact this past February and the Association continues to call on all women to take charge of their health and make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of their community.
Randi Gold, the Go Red for Women Circle of Red chair shares her motivation for supporting the mission, "In 2018, my best friend Pam Africk faced a life-threatening widowmaker heart attack, and watching her miraculous recovery was a wake-up call. My mission is personal and unwavering: to fight heart disease and prevent others from experiencing the fear and pain of nearly losing someone they love. Pam's journey is my 'why,' and it fuels my dedication to this cause."
Women experience ages, stages and seasons of life that increase their risk for cardiovascular disease. CVD is the leading cause of death in women, claiming more lives than all cancers combined. Nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of CVD. In fact, it’s the leading cause of maternal death in the U.S., or more simply put, heart disease is the No. 1 killer of new moms and pregnancy-related deaths are on the rise.[1] Yet, younger generations of women, Gen Z and Millennials, are less likely to be aware of their greatest health threat, including knowing the warning signs of heart attacks and strokes.[2] That’s why it’s important for all women to take charge of their heart health and encourage others to do the same.
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and the South Florida Go Red for Women Luncheon is locally sponsored by Broward Health. For more information and to make a donation visit www.heart.org/sflgored.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
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 the majority 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 more than two decades, 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).
For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173
Christina Vitale | christina.vitale@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
[1] Centers for Disease Control Pregnancy Mortality Surveillance System Table: Causes of Pregnancy-Related Deaths