TULSA, June 15, 2026 — What began as ordinary days turned into life-threatening moments for twin sisters now on a mission to help other women recognize the warning signs of heart disease and stroke. Abby Winston and Amanda Porter, both Tulsa-area residents, will be recognized as the featured survivors at the 2026 Tulsa Go Red for Women Luncheon, an American Heart Association signature event focused on raising awareness and funds to fight the leading cause of death among women. The local event will be Tuesday, Sept. 29, at Southern Hills Country Club.
The pair turns 41 on June 29. Though their medical journeys unfolded years apart, the sisters’ stories are deeply connected by genetics, by resilience and by a shared determination to help others listen to their bodies and advocate for their health.
In March 2020, Porter experienced a massive stroke at home that changed her life in seconds. What began as a tingling sensation quickly escalated to paralysis on one side of her body and slurred speech. She was rushed to the hospital just in time to receive clot-busting medication.
Doctors later confirmed Porter’s stroke was caused by extremely high blood pressure, specifically 240/180. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80. Her recovery included weeks of rehabilitation to regain mobility.
“I had to relearn everything,” she said. “It was a long road, but I’m here because we acted fast.”
Four years later, Winston faced a life-threatening crisis of her own, one that was initially overlooked.
For years, Winston experienced chest pain during exercise but dismissed it as overexertion. In October 2023 and again in August 2024, she collapsed during workouts. During the second incident, her heart stopped. She required an automated external defibrillator (AED) to restore a heartbeat and was placed in a medically induced coma.
Despite clear warning signs, her symptoms were initially misdiagnosed as neurological rather than cardiac. It wasn’t until months later, after persistent advocacy from Winston and her family, that doctors determined she had suffered cardiac arrest, not seizures. Further testing revealed severe coronary artery disease, including up to 95% blockage in her arteries. Within days, Winston underwent double bypass surgery.
“My cardiologist told me I likely would not have lived another month,” Winston said. “That’s how serious it was.”
The sisters later learned their shared risk factors may stem from family history. Adopted at birth, they discovered their biological father died from a heart attack, something they now urge others never to overlook. Together, Winston and Porter are using their experiences to speak out about the importance of knowing family health history, recognizing symptoms and pushing for answers when something does not feel right.
“Women are often told they’re fine when they’re not,” Winston said. “We want other women to trust their instincts and keep asking questions.”
Their stories highlight a critical reality: heart disease and stroke remain the No. 1 and No. 5 causes of death in the United States, yet many symptoms, especially in women, are misunderstood or ignored.
The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement works to change that by empowering women to take charge of their health and by funding lifesaving research, education and advocacy.
“Abby and Amanda’s stories are powerful reminders that heart disease and stroke can happen to anyone—even young, seemingly healthy women,” said American Heart Association-Tulsa Executive Director Megan Korn. “Their courage to share their journeys will help save lives across our community.”
At the 2026 Tulsa Go Red for Women luncheon, the sisters will share their stories in hopes of inspiring others to take action, whether that means scheduling a checkup, learning the warning signs or supporting research that could help prevent future tragedies.
“Listen to your body,” Porter said. “It could save your life.”
Tulsa Go Red for Women is sponsored nationally by CVS Health. Chair is Christy Lindsay, a senior sales leader in Edwards Lifesciences’ structural heart division and owner of Cedar + Lily Clothier. Information and tickets are available at www.heart.org/TulsaGoRed or by contacting development director Kimberly Young at Kimberly.Young@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 a 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
Cyd King: cyd.king@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
