SAN ANTONIO January 27, 2025Nearly 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 Antonio, Esther Kwon, CEO of Methodist Hospital Texsan will serve as the 2024-2025 volunteer chair of Go Red for Women in San Antonio, TX. 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, Kwon will play a critical role in women’s health by leading San Antonio’s efforts to empower women to advocate for Health Equity.

CVD is the leading cause of death in women, claiming more lives than all cancers combined, and continues to be women’s greatest health threat.[2] According to the American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, as women grow and change so does their risk for CVD. Unique life stages like pregnancy and menopause can affect that risk. The good news is the majority of cardiovascular disease incidents can be prevented through lifestyle changes and education. Through Go Red for Women, the Association calls on all women to take charge of their health and encourage other women to do the same. Because when it comes to their health, women have the best resource: they have each other.

“I was inspired to chair Go Red for Women this year because life is a gift and leading this effort is a great reminder to live intentionally because heart disease is preventable, yet it continues to impact so many women in our community,” said Kwon. “As women, we often put others first and we sometimes forget how much influence and agency we have on our own health and the health of those around us.  In fact, 80% of health care decisions made for families are done so by women. Through Go Red for Women, the American Heart Association encourages us to prioritize our own heart health, while being a great example for our families and communities. 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.”

Kwon’s campaign will be an extension of her impactful work through Methodist Hospital Texsan where her focus in on working with stakeholders to deliver on the mission of serving humanity to honor God by providing exceptional, cost effective healthcare accessible to all.

“We are incredibly grateful for Esther Kwon and her unwavering passion and dedication to the Go Red for Women movement,” said Allen Anderson, American Heart Association San Antonio volunteer board chair and Director of UT Health/University Health Heart & Vascular Institute. “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 21, 2025, at the Witte Museum Go Red for Women luncheon.

Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and the San Antonio Go Red for Women luncheon is locally sponsored by Methodist Healthcare supported by the HCA Healthcare Foundation, Methodist Hospital | Texsan, Holt Group, Methodist Healthcare Ministries, McCombs Foundation, and Frost Bank . For more information contact Jennifer Trimmier at Jenn.Trimmier@heart.org  or visit www.heart.org/sanantoniogored .  

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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:

Zahra Cruzan - Zahra.cruzan@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org