Emmy Award-winning soap opera star and heart health advocate Susan Lucci to be keynote speaker at 2025 Austin Go Red for Women Luncheon
Annual American Heart Association’s event raises awareness and critical funds for women’s cardiovascular health
AUSTIN, Dec. 9, 2024 — This February, Susan Lucci will share her cardiac health and advocacy journey at the American Heart Association-Austin’s annual Go Red for Women Luncheon, where more than 400 fashionably red-dressed people will gather to honor survivors, celebrate advancements in heart health and chart a new course toward a world free of cardiovascular disease, which claims the lives of 1 in 3 women.
Famous for playing the sassy, love-to-hate-her Erica Kane on ABC’s award-winning daytime drama All My Children for over 40 years, Lucci is actively involved with a range of nonprofit causes and currently serves as the National Ambassador for the Go Red for Women Movement. After spending years advocating for women’s heart health, Lucci experienced a series of cardiovascular episodes of her own. Initially, she ignored the discomfort and mounting symptoms, but went to the hospital after her chest pain became severe. Doctors discovered that several of her arteries were 75%-90% blocked and were able to use stents to widen the clogged arteries. Lucci encourages women to learn from her experience and, “listen to whatever is going on with their bodies, to take action, and to give themselves permission to take care of themselves.”
Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women in Austin, but women remain underdiagnosed and undertreated. They also experience unique life stages, like pregnancy and menopause, that increase their risk of heart disease and stroke. Nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of cardiovascular disease, but Gen Z and Millennial women are less likely to be aware of their greatest health threat, including knowing the warning signs of heart attacks and strokes. That is why it is important for all women to take charge of their heart health and encourage others to do the same.
Since 2004, the Go Red for Women movement has raised awareness and addressed clinical care gaps for women. As the movement celebrates more than 20 years of making an impact, the Association, a global force for healthier lives for all for more than 100 years, calls on all women to take charge of their health and make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of their community.
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and the Austin Go Red for Women Luncheon is locally sponsored by Ascension Texas. For more information contact [email protected] or visit www.heart.org/AustinGoRed
About the American Heart Association[HG1]
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 – our Centennial year – we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact, our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. 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).
Michael Vybiral: [email protected]
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
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