SEATTLE, Feb. 1, 2023 — A veteran army intelligence captain from Tacoma is one of 12 women nationwide selected to be the face of heart disease and stroke for the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® 2023 Class of Real Women. Jia Wu, 30, a survivor of Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs), or mini-strokes, was selected by the American Heart Association, which is devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, for the national ambassador program to help raise awareness and encourage action against cardiovascular disease, the No. 1 killer of women. 

Wu was deployed in Afghanistan when she started experiencing jumbled speech, floppy wrists, and numbness with tingling down her left arm and the left side of her face. After returning home, what was initially dismissed as a shoulder injury was actually discovered to be several TIAs. She survived two craniotomies and cerebral bypasses to prevent her from suffering a major stroke and eventually returned to the field as an army intelligence captain. Today, Wu encourages women to learn stroke warning signs, talk to their doctors about their risk for stroke and make healthy lifestyle changes to prevent a stroke. 

“When I had my mini-strokes, I was only 28. I didn’t know the stroke warning signs but my intuition told me something was seriously wrong. I am lucky that I got the care I needed before it was too late,” said Wu. “I am grateful for the opportunity to share my story because I want more young women to be aware they need to know about stroke and to have the courage to seek help if they experience symptoms.” 

The American Heart Association's Go Red for Women movement selects everyday, “real” women to serve as ambassadors and represent a diverse sisterhood of survivors. Often the surprising faces of cardiovascular disease, the Go Red for Women 2023 Real Women Class of Survivors come from all walks of life and serve as year-long national volunteer ambassadors. Over the coming months, Wu will share her relatable story in person, online and through news media to raise awareness of heart disease and stroke and inspire other women to take charge of their physical and mental well-being. 

“By raising her voice with Go Red for Women, Jia will inspire women throughout the country to learn about their No. 1 health threat and to prioritize their health,” said Whitney Meidl, Executive Director, Puget Sound, Development and Community Health. “By telling her powerful story, Jia will save lives.” 

This American Heart Month in the Puget Sound, Go Red for Women is helping to raise awareness of heart disease and stroke in women by sharing a toolkit of ways to engage and celebrate heart and brain health, including learning Hands-Only CPR. Washington State’s Go Red for Women campaign efforts will culminate on March 2 at the Be The Beat: A Reimagined Go Red for Women Experience event to be held at Block 41 in Seattle. 

Cardiovascular diseases continue to be the leading cause of death in women, claiming the lives of 1 in 3. To prevent, treat and beat heart disease and stroke, women should understand family health history, know their health numbers and make healthy behavior changes. Learn more at GoRedforWomen.org

Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, and locally sponsored by Safeway Albertsons, Regence BlueShield of Washington and Optum Washington. 

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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 19 years, 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). 

   

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 nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.  

Media Contact: 

Valerie Koch: valerie.koch@heart.org 

Francesca Minas: Francesca.Minas@heart.org 

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

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