Cedar Rapids community unites to help eliminate heart disease and stroke in women
Cedar Rapids, IA, September 8 2025 — The annual Cedar Rapids Go Red for Women luncheon on November 6 will honor survivors, celebrate advancements in heart health and chart a new course toward a world free of cardiovascular disease, which claims the lies of 1 in 3 women.
More than one hundred years after its founding, the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, looks to its premier women’s movement, Go Red for Women®, to help address awareness and clinical care gaps for women. As the presenting sponsor of the Cedar Rapids Go Red for Women luncheon since its inception, UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s will stand alongside the Heart Association to honor survivors, celebrate advancements in heart health and chart a new course toward a world free of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which claims the lives of 1 in 3 women.
CVD is the leading cause of death in women, claiming more lives than all cancers combined, and continues to be women’s greatest health threat. As women grow and change so does their risk for CVD. Unique life stages like pregnancy and menopause can affect that risk. The good news is the majority of cardiovascular disease incidents can be prevented through lifestyle changes and education. Through Go Red for Women, the Association calls on all women to take charge of their health and encourage other women to do the same. Because when it comes to their health, women have the best resource: they have each other.
“I chose to support this campaign to celebrate the progress we’ve made over more than two decades, but more importantly, to inspire the Cedar Rapids community to demand more,” said Mary Kilgner, 2025 Cedar Rapids Go Red for Women chair and St Luke’s Foundation President.
“But we can’t do it alone,” she continued. “It’s time to make bold moves and support innovative solutions for women’s cardiovascular health. Go Red for your mother, your daughter, your friends, and yourself. Because when we come together, we can motivate, educate, support and help save each other.”
On November 6, Cedar Rapids Go Red for Women Luncheon guests will rally at the Doubletree by Hilton Cedar Rapids and raise funds to save and improve women’s lives by advancing equitable research and care, advocating for inclusive health policies and raising awareness of women’s number one health threat..
“Whether it’s learning CPR, joining Research Goes Red, knowing your own risk factors, having an honest conversation with your doctor, or empowering another woman to prioritize her own health and well-being, there are so many ways to create a legacy of health in our families and our community,” said Chase Grubbs, American Heart Association Go Red for Women event director.
“Go Red for Women is here for women’s health and well-being at every age, stage and season of their lives,” he continued. “And by coming together and supporting the women in our community, we can make a lasting impact.”
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and the Cedar Rapids Go Red for Women Luncheon is locally presented by Unity Point Health. For more information contact Chase Grubbs at chase.grubbs@heart.org or visit www.heart.org/cedarrapidsgored.
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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).
For Media Inquiries:
Rodrigo Gonzalez: Rodrigo.Gonzalez@Heart.org
Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
