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On Friday afternoon, the American Heart Association held its 20th annual Go Red for Women luncheon, drawing over 1,000 men and women clad in red attire to the Dallas Omni Hotel. The event aimed to promote the Go Red for Women Movement in Dallas, raising awareness about cardiovascular disease in women and addressing care disparities. Previously believed to primarily affect men, research now reveals that cardiovascular diseases claim the lives of 1 in 3 women, surpassing all forms of cancer combined.
Attendees engaged in free health assessments, received lessons in Hands-Only CPR, acquired health education, and interacted with service dogs in training. These activities formed an interactive experience to educate more women about the signs and symptoms of heart or stroke incidents and provide access to resources for healthy living.
The event also served as a gathering for hundreds of survivors of heart attacks, strokes, and other heart-related illnesses, along with their family members.
Sharell Weeams, celebrating two years since surviving a heart attack on a Dallas dance floor, joined the nurses who saved her life in performing a special dance for the luncheon audience. She expressed her excitement about connecting with others who share similar experiences through the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women initiative, emphasizing the profound support system it provides.
While major cities across the US participate in the movement, Dallas hosts the largest Go Red for Women Experience annually. The event raised over half a million dollars during an open-your-heart giving moment, contributing to the year-long campaign for the Go Red for Women movement. Last year’s campaign in Dallas garnered just over $2 million for the nonprofit.
As the Association marks the end of its first 100 years and embarks on the next phase, its mission remains as crucial as ever. To join their efforts in combating heart disease and stroke, individuals can reach out to their local American Heart Association chapter or visit Heart.org for resources and education.