ROGERS, Ark., May 10, 2024 — About 1,100 people dressed in red will attend the Northwest Arkansas Go Red for Women Luncheon May 21 at the Rogers Convention Center. The event, celebrating 20 years this year, honors survivors, celebrates advancements in heart health and charts a new course toward a world free of cardiovascular disease, which claims the lives of 1 in 3 women.
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.
This year’s local theme is Her Story is Our Story and features the story of author Lori Wood of Bentonville, who is living with heart failure. Peloton athlete Kendall Toole is the guest speaker.
“With this theme, we want Northwest Arkansas women to know ‘We know you have a story of womanhood, motherhood, friendship and a story of your difficult health situation,’” said Mellissa Wood, director of the NWA Go Red for Women movement, a comprehensive platform designed more than two decades ago to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. “We all have stories of how heart disease and stroke have affected us, our families and our circle of friends.”
Misty Quaid with The Emerson Group is chairperson for the event and Creighton Kiper of Walmart is honorary chairperson.
Quaid’s mother suffered strokes when Quaid was a sophomore in college, and Quaid was actually aware her mother was having a stroke once when they were talking on the telephone – a horrific experience for anyone, much less a college student.
“Not being able to get there to help her was one of the hardest things,” said Quaid, who is back as co-chairman for a second year. “Thankfully we have several family members that live close, so I quickly called my cousin to go down and check on her, while at same time [calling] 911.
“That is just one story, there are many others, but just a glimpse into why I have become a big advocate for American Heart Association,” Quaid added.
Debbie Alsup, Twilla Brooks and Shana DeSmit are co-chairpersons of the 2024 Circle of Red giving society, supports the local movement. Also, a big help – the local Woman of Impact class, which has raised upward of $125,000 for lifesaving educational initiatives and research. They are Ashley Diamond with Procter & Gamble, Bethany Davis of The Barcode Group, Brenna Groves with Product Connections, Danelle Cobb, of The Emerson Group, Jennifer Cowell with Sam’s Club, Leigh Dean of the Market Performance Group, Marcy Chavez with Weichert Griffin and Tracy Neal Butzlaff of Nestle Health Sciences.
Nominees and their Impact Teams, made up of friends or family members, have been participating in activities designed to create a culture of wellness and health equity.
The woman whose team has the highest number of impact points — awarded through a combination of fundraising and mission impact activities — is named the Northwest Arkansas 2024 Woman of Impact Award Winner. The campaign was Feb. 2 through April with the winner to be announced at the luncheon. The nominee with the most points nationwide will be named the National Woman of Impact Award Winner.
As women grow and change so does 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 NWA Go Red for Women Luncheon is locally sponsored by Life is Why sponsor The Emerson Group, Signature sponsors 3M, Flywheel and Haleon. Other local sponsors include Coty, Harp’s Food Stores, Kiss, Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas, Ogury and Procter & Gamble. Media support comes from 3W, 5News, Citiscapes Magazine, Celebrate Arkansas, Northwest Arkansas Business Journal/Talk Business & Politics. For more information visit heart.org/NWAGoRed
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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 or X by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries
Cyd King: M 479.263.8473; cyd.king@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