DALLAS, March 25, 2026 — More than 600 North Texans stepped into a Parisian inspired afternoon of fashion, florals and philanthropy at the American Heart Association’s 2026 Dallas Go Red for Women Luncheon. This year’s vibrant ‘Hearts in Bloom’ experience created a beautiful and uplifting atmosphere that celebrated women’s heart health and the community leaders who champion it.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women, yet awareness and representation in research remain critically low. Through the Go Red for Women® movement, the American Heart Association continues to advance education, advocacy and lifesaving research that support women at every age and stage of life. This year’s Dallas initiative was celebrated at the Fairmont Hotel with a luncheon.
The event unfolded within a chic French café inspired setting filled with lush florals, soft Parisian décor and bold red accents that transformed the ballroom into an immersive Hearts in Bloom experience. Guests arrived in striking red dresses, suits and accessories that created a vibrant sea of color. Before the luncheon program began, guests enjoyed Studio Calme, a serene pre‑event activation offering gentle chair‑yoga sessions. Throughout the venue, guests explored Le Bloom Bar, a floral design studio where they crafted custom bouquets, along with a beauty touch up bar offering hair and makeup enhancements and a live fashion sketch artist capturing custom couture style illustrations. A meaningful Know Your Family History stop encouraged guests to reflect on their roots with the reminder that your heart blooms brighter when you know your history. Nearby, an emotional Tribute Wall invited attendees to honor those they “Go Red” for, while a lively Silent Auction generated support for the future of women’s heart health. Hands-Only CPR demonstrations, Research Goes Red engagements and Heart Powered advocacy activations connected guests directly with the lifesaving mission of the American Heart Association. Elegant photo moments and social vignettes were woven throughout the space, creating a fully immersive experience from start to finish.
Co-chairs Paola Arbour, Chief Information Officer for Tenet Healthcare, and Sandi Karrmann, community philanthropist, and retired Chief Human Resources Officer at Kimberly Clark, emphasized how urgent and personal this movement remains for women across North Texas. “Cardiovascular disease is still the number one killer of women and events like this play an essential role in educating our community so that women understand their risks and how to reduce them,” said Arbour. Karrmann added, “Our hope today is that you leave inspired to be an agent of change for women’s heart health and to use your voice to advocate for lifesaving efforts. Paola and I are grateful for your presence and commitment. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our loved ones and countless others.” Their messages echoed the heart of the movement: when it comes to protecting women’s health, Red Means Go! — take action, know your numbers, learn CPR, and prioritize your well-being.
The energy in the room continued with emcees Kristin Diaz, Anchor for NewsRadio 1080 KRLD, and Sam Gannon, Sports Co‑Host with FOX 4 News. The luncheon then honored Stacy Nahas as the 2026 Sandi Haddock Community Impact Honoree. Nahas, a longtime supporter of the American Heart Association, a former partner at KPMG and past Dallas Go Red for Women Chair, has championed women’s cardiovascular health through her leadership, philanthropy, and service. Her dedication reflects the spirit and purpose of the award and the lasting impact she continues to make.
As the room settled, the program moved from festive moments to mission‑focused inspiration. Keynote speaker Dr. Jessica Shepherd, a board certified OB/GYN and author of Generation M, the chart topping book redefining women’s health, offered compelling insights into prevention, early detection, and the importance of empowering women through accurate, accessible health information.
Notable guests lending their support included Sandi Karrmann, Paola Arbour, Beth Corl, Tom Greco, along with community leaders Regina Bruce, Susan Wetzel, Stacy Nahas, Doreen Griffith, Stacy Murray, and Darlene Ellison. Also in attendance were survivor Linda Potthoff, keynote speaker Dr. Jessica Shepherd, global influencer and women’s heart health advocate Dr. ShantaQuilette Develle Carter Williams, Dr. Carla Russo, Shannon Freeze, Krista Farber Weinstein, Cristal Retana Lule and Gabrielle “Gabe” Madison.
In addition to national sponsor CVS Health, the Dallas Go Red for Women movement is supported locally by CMC, Kimberly Clark, and Texas Health. So far, the 2026 campaign has raised 1.6 million and support continues to grow.
As excitement from this year’s luncheon continues to grow, planning is already underway for the 2027 Dallas Go Red for Women Luncheon. Early committed sponsors include Baylor Scott and White The Heart Hospital, Forvis Mazars, FleetPride, Haynes Boone, JCPenney, Kimberly Clark, Texas Health, Vaco and Encompass Health. The 2027 campaign is gaining strong enthusiasm to continue championing women’s heart health with the announcement of Beth Corl, Chief Human Resources Officer at FleetPride, as the 2027 Chair.
The American Heart Association looks forward to continuing this important work in partnership with the North Texas community. For more information about the Dallas campaign or to get involved, visit www.Heart.org/DallasGoRed or contact Meghan Dours via email at Meghan.Dours@heart.org.
Additional resources:
- Recap Video (Long with Interviews) - 2026 Dallas Go Red for Women Luncheon Recap Video
- Recap Video (Shortened) - 2026 Dallas Go Red for Women Luncheon 30 Second Recap Video
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. 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 many 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:
Lindsey Lyons Jones
Phone:
Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
