UTICA, N.Y., May 13, 2025 — Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women[1], yet less than half of women are aware of this. The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, is changing women’s health through the Go Red for Women® movement. Since 2004, Go Red for Women has addressed awareness and clinical care gaps of a woman’s greatest health threat.
The initiative unites women across the globe to understand their risk and fight back against their No. 1 killer. Go Red for Women is where community and connection meet action. Typically, red means stop, danger, proceed with caution, but your heart health can’t wait. All women need to take steps to safeguard their health and well-being. When it comes to Go Red for Women, Red Means Go!
The Mohawk Valley Go Red for Women event empowered nearly 400 women — and some men — to learn about women’s heart health and support lifesaving research, education and advocacy. The program honored survivors, celebrated advancements in heart health, and raised funds to continue better identify, diagnose, treat and prevent CVD in women.
“Cardiovascular disease is still the No. 1 killer of women, and events like this one are essential to raising awareness and providing education so women understand their risks — and how to reduce them,” said Staci Thompson, Mohawk Valley Go Red for Women Chair and president and CEO of Bassett Healthcare Network. “Together, we can ensure every woman is supported and no one faces this journey alone.”
Lenora Murad of New Hartford shared her story of surviving mitral valve replacement, heart failure and stroke. The audience also heard Kaitlyn McEwen’s and Yalitza Rivera’s stories of heart disease, which they never expected and seemed too young to experience.
Trisha Barone’s winning Woman of Impact campaign was recognized at the luncheon, and Jill Hayes of New York Sash received the Joanne Donaruma Wade Women’s Health Award sponsored by Mohawk Valley Living.
Nearly half of women aged 20 and older are living with some form of cardiovascular disease.[2] Women also experience unique life stages, like pregnancy and menopause, that can affect their risk.[3] Yet, women continue to be underrepresented in cardiovascular research. They are also less likely to receive CPR from a bystander.[4]
Go Red for Women is meeting the health and wellness needs of women now, and at every age, every stage, and every season of their lives as their trusted, relevant source for credible health solutions. Go Red for Women is also focused on supporting women-centric research and committed to closing gaps in care and support.
“Through Go Red for Women, we’re investing in research and solutions designed for women’s unique health needs,” said Theresa Kalil-Lennon, volunteer board chair of the American Heart Association – Mohawk Valley. “Here in the Mohawk Valley, that means more self-monitoring blood pressure possibilities, more New Mom kits, and more recess equipment in schools. Women deserve support for their health and well-being at every age and stage of life.”
Women are not waiting. Women are not slowing down. Through Go Red for Women, women are taking action to live longer and healthier. Red Means Go.
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and the Mohawk Valley Go Red for Women movement is locally sponsored by Preferred Mutual Insurance Company and Bassett Healthcare Network. Donations are still being accepted. For more information contact Heather Evans at Heather.Evans@heart.org or visit www.heart.org/mvgoesred.
About the Mohawk Valley Go Red for Women Luncheon
The Mohawk Valley Go Red for Women Luncheon is set for Wednesday, May 13, from 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., at the Utica University Nexus Cewnter, 300 Oriskany St. West, Utica. Staci Thompson, president and CEO of Bassett Healthcare Network, is chairing the event. Lenora Murad will share her story of surviving heart failure and stroke, and guests will hear Yalitza Rivera and Kaitlyn McEwen’s stories of survival. Joleen Ferris from WKTV and Rachel Davis of Lite 98.7 will emcee the event. Trisha Barone is the winning Woman of Impact, and Jill Hayes of New York Sash will receive the Joanne Donaruma Wade Women’s Health Award. There will be networking, health information, a heart-healthy lunch, and pop-up activities following the Luncheon. Sponsors include Preferred Mutual Insurance Company, Bassett Healthcare Network, Professional Media Services, WKTV, Townsquare Media, New York Sash and Sentinel Media. For information about sponsorship or to purchase tickets, visit www.heart.org/mvgoesred.
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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.
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).
