HOUSTON (February 12, 2018) – The American Heart Association will welcome over 450 red-dressed ladies and men to CityCentre Houston’s Red Oak Ballroom on Friday, April 20 to celebrate the fight against heart disease and stroke at the annual Northwest Harris County Go Red For Women ® Luncheon.
Go Red Chairs Beth Eaton, along with her daughters,Kristi Varela and Kara DiCarlo
This premiere philanthropic event aims to raise $350,000 towards lifesaving research necessary to save more lives from cardiovascular diseases and stroke – the No.1 and No.5 killers of all Americans. The event is being chaired by Beth Eaton, along with her daughters, Kara DiCarlo and Kristi Varela.
“As a long-time supporter and advocate of the Go Red For Women ® campaign, chairing this event is an honor,” said Eaton, a realtor for Better Homes & Gardens Gary Greene Realty. “It is especially exciting to chair this event with my daughters by my side. The three of us have seen first-hand the impact heart disease and stroke have had on our family.”
“Cardiovascular diseases kill nearly 1 in 3 women each year, that’s about one woman every 80 seconds and the sad thing is that 80 percent of cardiovascular diseases can be prevented,” said Jessaca Rodriguez, the Northwest Harris County Go Red For Women ® Corporate Market Director. “The Go Red For Women ® movement focuses on prevention, education and awareness in regards to women’s heart health. But we still have a lot more work to do to save more lives, and we’re humbled and thankful to the community for continuing to rally around us in support.”
This year’s event, sponsored nationally by Macy’s and CVS Health, and locally by Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital and Houston Methodist West Hospital, will honor Darcy Mingoia, a leader in the Northwest Harris County community.
“My family has been touched by heart disease and I am humbled to play a small role in creating awareness for what each of us can do to take control of our heart health,” shared Mingoia. “Working with our doctors to know our risks, making healthy food choices and exercising every day makes a difference in our lives and the lives of our families. The Go Red For Women ® Luncheon is a great way to learn more about your own heart health and donate funds to provide research and education to help others.”
Every year, the luncheon also features one inspirational story from a local woman. This year, the luncheon will hear the powerful and impactful story of Debbie Godbold, a stroke survivor with a guardian angel.
Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital and Houston Methodist West Hospital will serve as the Presenting Go Red Sponsors for women’s heart health awareness by engaging the community in the Go Red for Women® campaign.
“Since Houston Methodist West Hospital opened its doors in December 2010, we are here to both serve the medical needs of the growing population, and provide information that helps improve health in our community. In our second year joining American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women ® movement, we find it is a meaningful way to educate and involve both men and women on the importance of heart health,” shared Victoria Brownewell, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, Houston Methodist West Hospital.
Keith Barber, CEO, Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital and SVP Houston Methodist, who was the chairman of the Northwest Harris County Heart Walk in October 2017, is personally inviting people to get involved. “We are inviting our community to commit to the success of this campaign by joining our elite society of Circle of Red by making a $1,000 donation. We hope that our neighbors and community leaders will join the fight against heart disease and stroke.”
Now is the time for women to take control of their health by learning their family history and knowing their numbers. Beating heart disease and stroke means more time for women to be change makers, business leaders and innovators, and more time to be moms, sisters, partners and friends. Beating cardiovascular diseases means more time to be here and be you.
The five critical health numbers all women should know are:
- Total cholesterol
- HDL cholesterol
- Blood pressure
- Blood sugar
- Body mass index (BMI)
When you support Go Red For Women ® by advocating, fundraising and sharing your story, more lives are saved. Every dollar raised helps fund lifesaving research and awareness that adds more time to women’s lives.
The luncheon will kick-off at 11:00 a.m. with fun activities such as a silent auction, photobooth, selfie station and heart-health education booths.
Tickets will be available for the luncheon until April 10. For more information, email Jessaca.Rodriguez@heart.org, or visit nwharriscountygored.heart.org.
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About Go Red For Women ®
In the United States, cardiovascular diseases kill approximately 1 in 3 women each year. Go Red For Women ® is the American Heart Association’s national movement to end heart disease and stroke in women. Cardiovascular diseases in the U.S. kill approximately one woman every 80 seconds. The good news is that 80 percent of cardiac events may be prevented with education and lifestyle changes. Go Red For Women ® advocates for more research and swifter action for women’s heart health. The American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women ® movement is nationally sponsored by Macy’s and CVS Health, with additional support from our cause supporters.