SAN DIEGO, Calif., December 6, 2024 — Nearly half of women ages 20 and older are living with some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD), the No. 1 killer of women.[1] Because of her passion for improving women’s heart health in San Diego, Louise Brandy will serve as the 2024-2025 volunteer chair of Go Red for Women in San Diego. Launched more than two decades ago to increase women’s heart health awareness, Go Red for Women is the American Heart Association’s global movement designed to serve as a catalyst for change to improve the health of women. As the American Heart Association enters its second century of lifesaving work, Brandy will play a critical role in women’s health by leading the San Diego 2025 Go Red for Women luncheon.
“I was inspired to chair Go Red for Women this year because heart disease continues to impact so many women in our community, including those we love,” said Brandy. “As women, we often put others first. Through Go Red for Women, the American Heart Association encourages us to prioritize our own heart health. I’m honored to lead this effort to raise awareness, provide education and inspire action to help women of all ages take control of their heart health and support each other in this vital mission.”
Brandy’s work with the Heart Association began more than 20 years ago when her late husband, Mycle, survived four strokes. Mycle was passionate about walking across America to raise awareness and funds for the Association. Before Mycle passed away in 2019, Brandy was his caretaker. According to the American Heart Association, when you are caring for a loved one with heart disease, stroke or someone recovering from a cardiac event, you may feel too busy to care for yourself. But caring for yourself is as important as caring for your loved one. Achieving balance can be the hardest part. Making sure caretakers are taking care of themselves is something Brandy is passionate about. When it comes to reducing stress, women have the best resource: they have each other. Managing stress, especially stress from caregiving, is hard. Go Red for Women is here to make sure no woman has to go it alone
“We are incredibly grateful for Louise Brandy and her unwavering passion and dedication to the Go Red for Women movement,” said Debbie Day, American Heart Association San Diego volunteer board chair and Executive Vice President and General Manager, ADP of Mitchell International. “She leads by example through her commitment to raising awareness and advocating for women’s heart health, and because of this she has made a significant impact on our community.”
Go Red for Women is a global movement with impact across the United States and in more than 50 countries around the world. This year’s Go Red for Women movement and its local achievements will be celebrated on February 28, 2025, at the San Diego Go Red for Women luncheon.
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and the San Diego Go Red for Women luncheon is locally sponsored by QuidelOrtho, Sharp Healthcare and KPMG. Beyond the Table sponsors Barona, Debbie Turner, Deloitte, Juli Moran, Medvantx, Mitchell, an Enlyte Company, PNC Bank, Scripps Health, Sony Electronics Inc., and Sycuan. For more information contact Shana Contreiras at Shana.Contreiras@heart.org or visit the 2024-2025 San Diego Go Red for Women website.
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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:
Erika Cervantes-Aarons: Erika.Cervantes-Aaro@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
