SEATTLE, April 15, 2024 — Hana Hooper, a 26-year-old heart transplant recipient and stroke survivor from Redmond, Wash. has been named the American Heart Association 2024 Puget Sound Go Red for Women Woman of Impact Winner alongside Mili Gentzkow, a 14-year-old congenital heart disease survivor from Seattle, as the Association’s 2024 Puget Sound Teen of Impact Winner. Both Hooper and Gentzkow earned their respective titles for their transformational fundraising efforts and work to improve health outcomes in the Puget Sound community. The Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact initiatives support the American Heart Association’s mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives for all, with Woman of Impact having a special focus on women’s health through the Association’s Go Red for Women movement.
“We are so grateful to Hana and Mili and all of our nominees for their work raising awareness and critical funds in support of our mission,” said Whitney Meidl, executive director, American Heart Association Puget Sound. “While our work is far from finished, we’ve made considerable progress. Our community is stronger, and our future is brighter.”
Over the course of nine weeks, Hooper alongside her peers, competed for the Woman of Impact title by raising funds and partaking in women’s health educational and awareness activities to support the Go Red for Women movement, a comprehensive platform designed more than two decades ago to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally.
Hooper’s participation is personal. In 2016 during her freshman year at college, she suffered a stroke and was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy. She was placed on the heart transplant list and underwent surgery to receive a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) to help her heart pump while waiting for a new heart. She suffered another stroke during the surgery and spent three months in a semi-conscious state and woke up having to relearn to walk, talk and navigate the world as a visually impaired person. Hooper received a heart transplant in 2018 and today lives a full and active life. During the Woman of Impact competition, Hooper and her team of supporters hosted yoga and line dancing classes, spoke to local groups and organized a Valentine’s Day tea with a scavenger hunt. They also raised $145,244. “I am grateful to be alive today because of the American Heart Association and what they do,” said Hooper. “It was so incredible to see how our community came together and supported this cause and the huge impact we were able to make alongside the American Heart Association. We are hoping that other people won't have to experience what I experienced because of the good work of the Association.”
At the same time, Gentzkow competed for the Teen of Impact title, fueled by her desire to further advancements in medicine that would help congenital heart disease patients like her. Gentzkow was born with a heart defect called Tetralogy of Fallot and has undergone two open heart surgeries and a cardiac cath procedure. She anticipates more surgeries in the future but hopes that improvements in cardiac science would mean less invasive procedures. “The greatest thing I’ve gained from this campaign is a better understanding of myself, and through that the courage to go out into the world and make a difference. I want to help contribute to further advancements in the field of cardiac care so that I don’t have to endure as many open-heart surgeries in my future. I want to do this for all the survivors of congenital heart defects,” said Gentzkow. During the Teen of Impact competition, Gentzkow spoke in front of large groups, hosted a community Barre fitness class and made hundreds of friendship bracelets to share with her donors. Gentzkow’s team raised $64,707.
The Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact nationwide initiatives launched in over 100 cities on National Wear Red Day, Feb. 2. In the Puget Sound, 15 women and teens were nominated to participate and at the end of the nine-week competition raised $389,000 to support the vital work of the American Heart Association and Go Red for Women. As the Association celebrates its 100th birthday in 2024, efforts driven by these individuals are crucial to saving lives from cardiovascular disease, the leading killer of Americans, and advancing health and hope for everyone.
To nominate a candidate for the 2025 Woman of Impact or Teen of Impact competition, visit the Go Red for Women website here.
To learn more about the American Heart Association in Washington, visit heart.org/washington.
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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. To reach the American Heart Association in Washington visit heart.org/Washington or on Facebook, Instagram or X.
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:
Valerie Koch, Valerie.koch@heart.org
Francesca Minas, Francesca.minas@heart.org