GRAND RAPIDS, Feb. 19, 2024 — The American Heart Association, the leading voluntary health organization devoted to a world of longer, healthier lives for all, is making bold moves in 2024 through its signature Go Red for Women® movement to address the clinical care gaps women face when it comes to their hearts.

This year, the organization will commemorate 20 years of Go Red for Women and 100 years of saving lives and pioneering scientific discoveries at the Grand Rapids Go Red for Women Luncheon, to be held Feb. 29 at 10:30 a.m. at Watermark Country Club.

Nancy Schwallier, vice president of the Frederik Meijer Heart and Vascular Institute for Corewell Health, will chair the American Heart Association’s annual fundraising event to empower women to take charge of their heart health. 

“Go Red for Women serves as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women,” Schwallier said. “I’m honored to play a role in helping carry our message and mission forward to help all women understand their risks so they can fight back against heart disease and stroke.”

This year’s event features a special survivor, who, while 35 weeks pregnant experienced an aortic dissection which required immediate surgery while delivering her first child. An aortic dissection is a tear on the aorta, which is the largest blood vessel in the body. What Amanda Banic of Hartford said was a beautiful pregnancy turned nearly tragic for both her and her daughter when she experienced blurred vision and unbearable jaw and chest pain.

“The work of the American Heart Association is critical to continue to fund lifesaving advancements in research that can help new moms like me recognize the signs and symptoms of heart disease so we can get the care we need quickly like I did to save even more lives,” Banic said. “As women, we need to raise our voices to raise awareness about our greatest health threat – cardiovascular disease.”

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of maternal death in the U.S. It can pose a threat to women’s heart health during pregnancy and later in life, and less than half of pregnant women are in optimal cardiovascular health.

“It’s more important than ever that women understand how to care for themselves and their babies,” said Jana Siminski, executive director of the American Heart Association, West Michigan. “As we look to the next 100 years, we are prepared to meet the evolving needs of women now, and at every age, every stage, and every season of their lives as their trusted, relevant source for credible, equitable health solutions.” Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and the Grand Rapids Go Red for Women event is locally presented by Corewell Health, Meijer, Medtronic, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

For more information and to register to attend the Go Red for Women Luncheon contact winni.walsh@heart.org or visit our website at www.heart.org/grandrapidsgored

 

###  

   

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. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.     

 

For Media Inquiries:
Matt Johnson, Communications Director: matt.johnson@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org