Go Red Luncheon highlights heart disease, stroke in women

Posted 2/26/15

More than 550 guests wore red to celebrate the Go Red For Women movement at the Southern New England Go Red For Women Luncheon Feb. 13 at the Rhode Island Convention Center. The Go Red For Women …

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Go Red Luncheon highlights heart disease, stroke in women

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More than 550 guests wore red to celebrate the Go Red For Women movement at the Southern New England Go Red For Women Luncheon Feb. 13 at the Rhode Island Convention Center. The Go Red For Women Luncheon is a celebration of a yearlong movement to raise awareness about heart disease and stroke in women. With the support of generous sponsors and donors, the event raised nearly $250,000.

The Go Red For Women Luncheon began with a Festival of Red featuring health screenings, cooking demos, educational exhibits and fun activities, followed by a heart-healthy lunch, survivor stories from special guests and keynote address by humorist and author, Kay Frances.  

The 2015 Southern New England Go Red For Women Luncheon was chaired by Diana Ducharme, Partner at Hinckley Allen. Dan Jaehnig, reporter from NBC10 WJAR served as the luncheon’s emcee. Governor Gina Raimondo also attended and spoke briefly about the importance of heart-healthy living and the mission of the American Heart Association. 

Why Go Red?

More women than men are affected by heart disease. Sadly, most women don’t notice the symptoms of heart disease and stroke until it is too late. During National Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week (February 7-14), the American Heart Association highlighted the story of two survivors affected by CHD, the nation’s number one most frequent birth defect and number one cause of infant death.

The Go Red Luncheon highlighted the story of Daniel and Megan Dickerman from Southern Rhode Island. Daniel Dickerman never imagined that his daughter Megan would be born with the same heart defect that he was born with. Nearly 30 years apart, the two heart survivors have a lot in common including their drive to break through life’s barriers. Against the odds, both are determined to take their “special hearts” anywhere they want: like to dance competition and through the finish line at Iron Man. Thanks to advances in cardiovascular research funded in part by the American Heart Association over the last few decades, their heart journeys have been quite different. Although their fight with heart disease is not over, both father and daughter are filled with hope. With the support of the generous luncheon guest and sponsors, the American Heart Association will continue working to make a healthier, longer life possible for everyone.  

The American Heart Association’s National Go Red For Women Spokeswomen were also in attendance. Out of the ten ladies selected from throughout the country, four women from Rhode Island and Massachusetts were selected to serve this year, spreading awareness nationwide by sharing their stories. Two of which have been volunteering with the American Heart Association in Southern New England for several years. Lisa Deck, Stroke Survivor and Debra Koziol, Survivor of Sudden Cardiac Arrest wore sashes at this year’s luncheon to celebrate their own heart and stroke journeys. 

Keynote speaker for the Go Red For Women Luncheon was Kay Frances, humorist and author of “The Funny Thing about Stress; A Seriously Humorous Guide to a Happier Life.” According to Kay, it’s a well-documented fact that women who manage their stress, take care of their health and remember to laugh are happier and more productive. In our frenzied world, women need to be reminded of why these things are vitally important for their heart health. In this motivational and hilarious presentation, Kay Frances delivered a healthy dose of laughter that is just what the doctor ordered! With her energetic, upbeat presentation, attendees will laugh while they learn without straining their brains. Kay combined her years of standup comedy, her education and her passion for her message to deliver in a way that is second to none! It was humor-with-a-message at its funniest! 

“I feel that life is a precious gift to be savored and enjoyed, not a burden we have to muddle through,” Kay tells us “I’ve spent too much time in my life stressing over things that don’t matter. I’ve finally learned to take life seriously enough to realize that humor is vital. Humor truly is at the heart of it all!” 

The American Heart Association invests in educational and prevention programs, public policies that promote the wellbeing of communities across the country and cutting-edge scientific research. In Rhode Island and Massachusetts alone, the American Heart Association currently funds more than $31.6 million dollars in scientific research related to cardiovascular diseases and stroke.  

The 2015 Southern New England Go Red For Women Luncheon is nationally sponsored by Macy’s. Top local sponsors include Hinckley Allen, Amica Insurance Co., CVS Health, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, KPMG LLP, The Cardiovascular Institute at Rhode Island Hospital, The Miriam Hospital and Newport Hospital - Lifespan Partners, Delta Dental, Provant, and Sweeney Real Estate and Appraisal. This year’s Friend of Heart is Ninedot and media sponsors include Cat Country 98.1, NBC10 WJAR, Providence Business News, RI Latino News and The Women’s Journals.

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