Dallas Go Red For Women

Since 1924, the American Heart Association has amassed a force of more than 35 million volunteers and supporters around the globe, all focused on eliminating cardiovascular disease (CVD) and stroke - the world’s number-one and number-five top killers, respectively. One American loses his or her life every 38 seconds to such diseases, and nearly half of women over the age of 20 live with some form of CVD. You can help the Association create a world of longer, healthier lives by attending next year’s Go Red for Women event.

In celebration of its 100^th anniversary, the Association will host its 20^th Anniversary Go Red for Women Luncheon Experience on Friday, March 8, 2024 (International Women’s Day), 10 am to 2:30 pm, at the Omni Dallas Hotel. The Go Red for Women movement is the Association’s signature women’s initiative, designed to educate women to take control of their health by knowing the signs of potentially life-threatening heart or stroke incidents, trusting their intuition when something isn’t right, and learning how not to be dismissed when seeking medical treatment. More than 135 Go Red for Women events are staged around the country each year – but Dallas boasts the largest of them all.

Next year’s co-chairs, Stacy Nahas and Susan Wetzel, expect more than 1,000 guests to attend. The annual event offers free health screenings and assessments, storytelling by local survivors, a fabulous silent auction, bubbly bars, speed portraits, photo opportunities, Hands-Only CPR education, and puppies to snuggle – a proven stress reliever. The program will include inspiring videos, the presentation of the Sandi Haddock Community Impact Honor, live entertainment, and a not-to-be-missed special guest. The event will focus on the breakthroughs and transformational possibilities on the horizon while honoring the mantra that speaks to all women: Her future is bright. “I have volunteered with the American Heart Association for nearly 20 years.” Wetzel says. “I began volunteering when the Go Red for Women movement had just begun. I truly believe, to my core, that the future is bright. We will unseat cardiovascular disease as the number one killer of all people.”

Proceeds raised through the Dallas Go Red for Women campaign fund lifesaving research, advocate for healthier communities, improve patient care, and work for equitable health for all. Funding research is a cornerstone of the Association’s mission. “I am fortunate,” says Nahas, “that cardiovascular disease has not had devastating impact on my family. But I know the work we have done and continue to do today will help give more families this experience. We all deserve more memories with the ones we love.”

The Association has invested more than $5.7 billion in scientific research since 1949, including the funding of 15 Nobel Prize-winning scientists and breakthroughs in cardiovascular and stroke discovery, translation, and clinical application through more than 47,000 projects. As the largest nonprofit, non-governmental funder of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular research in the U.S., this achievement can be measured in longer, healthier lives for untold individuals and families around the world. “Before I was introduced to Go Red for Women, I was unaware of my No. 1 health threat. Since saying ‘yes’ to Go Red, I have been able to advocate for many people in my life. I knew signs and symptoms and knew what to do to take care of myself and my loved ones. I’m very thankful for that,” said Darlene Ellison, 2024 Dallas Circle of Red Chair.

For information about engagement opportunities, sponsorship levels, tables or tickets, go to www.heart.org/dallasgored or contact Samantha Eppler, VP Development, at [email protected].