Tarrant County Go Red for Women luncheon builds momentum toward 1 million raised for women’s heart health
FORT WORTH, March 102026 — The American Heart Association’s Tarrant County Go Red for Women Luncheon brought together community leaders, survivors, and advocates in a powerful celebration of women’s heart health. Early results indicate the movement is tracking toward raising $1 million raised to support lifesaving research, community education, CPR readiness, and advocacy initiatives that strengthen cardiovascular health for women across Tarrant County.
Nearly 45 percent of women over age 20 live with some form of heart disease. Since 2004, the American Heart Association’s signature women's initiative, Go Red for Women, has addressed the awareness and clinical care when it comes to women. The effort helps meet the evolving needs of women now, and at every age, stage and season of their lives as their trusted, relevant source for credible, equitable health solutions. The event highlighted the need for early detection, prevention, and community readiness. The luncheon also reinforced the importance of taking action now to improve outcomes for women across every stage of life.
The program at this year’s event in Fort Worth reflected the momentum set earlier in the campaign when five influential Tarrant County leaders publicly said “yes” to championing the Go Red for Women movement. Their personal stories of survivorship, loss, and resilience shaped the heart of the event and inspired attendees to support greater awareness and prevention for women’s heart health.
Leadership for this year’s movement included Event Chair Dr. Theodore Aquino, Chief Medical Officer at BNSF Railway, Honorary Chairs Michele and Fred Reynolds, Circle of Red Chair Delynn Crofford, and Auction Chair Judy Jones Rotzoll. Their commitment strengthened community engagement in the American Heart Association’s efforts to build a Nation of Lifesavers and increased awareness around the importance of CPR. Guests participated in Hands-Only CPR demonstrations and learned how quick action can double or triple survival chances when cardiac arrest occurs.
Linda Potthoff, whose life was saved after receiving forty-five minutes of CPR, shared her story in the ballroom. Her message inspired generations of women to live healthy lives, take care of themselves, speak up when something feels off, and learn CPR so they are ready to help save a life.
The American Heart Association also announced the date for next year’s Tarrant County Go Red for Women 2027 Luncheon which will take place on February 19, 2027. The upcoming theme ‘Red Means Go’ will bring new energy and urgency to the movement and emphasize that Go Red for Women is where community and connection meet action. While red often signals stop or proceed with caution, heart health cannot wait. All women need to take steps now to safeguard their health and well-being. When it comes to Go Red for Women, Red Means Go.
For those looking to get involved in the Tarrant County Go Red for Women movement, please reach out to Brooke Barryman at Brooke.Berryman@heart.org.
###
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.
For Media Inquiries:
Lindsey Lyons Jones
Phone: 214-441-4114
Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
