Chicago unites against women’s No. 1 killer

CHICAGO, (March 7, 2025) — Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the No. 1 killer of women, yet women remain underdiagnosed and undertreated.[1] Women also experience unique life stages, like pregnancy and menopause, that increase their risk of heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement is committed to ensuring women are no longer disproportionately affected by CVD. The annual Chicago Go Red for Women Luncheon invited the community to learn about women’s heart health and help fund critical, lifesaving research to address the unique risk factors and needs of women.

Last Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, more than 500 guests dressed in red to attend the 21^st Annual Chicago Go Red for Women Luncheon united against women’s greatest health threat. Emceed by ABC7 Chicago anchors, Rob Elgas and Judy Hsu, the luncheon honored survivor and CPR advocate, Dr. Heather Baker, celebrated advancements in heart health. The event raised critical funds to continue to better identify, diagnose, treat and prevent heart disease in women. The Luncheon also included a pre-event expo with a Nation of Lifesavers CPR demo station led by trainers from the University of Chicago Medical Center, a silent auction and a live auction where guests bid on items and travel experiences to raise money for the American Heart Association’s mission.

“Campaigns like Go Red for Women and events like the luncheon take a holistic approach to women’s heart health. We’re having critical and ongoing conversations about how to move the needle in bystander care, treatment, research, venture funding and STEM careers,” said Emily Chase, Chicago Go Red for Women Chair and executive vice president and chief operating officer of University of Chicago Medical Center. “The luncheon is a celebration, but it’s far from a culmination. It’s a continuation of this dialogue that will help the American Heart Association remain a trusted resource for women of all walks of life. Together, we can ensure every woman is supported and that no one has to go it alone.”

Since 2004, the Go Red for Women movement has raised awareness and addressed clinical care gaps of CVD 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.

“Through Go Red for Women, we’re funding research to advance innovative solutions specific to women’s unique health experiences and needs," said Brittany Walsh, executive director of the American Heart Association, Chicago. “Here in Chicago, we are encouraging young women to pursue STEM careers, while also continuing to emphasize the importance of one person in each household knowing CPR so that more lives can be saved and more families can have time with the women they love. Go Red for Women is there for women’s health and well-being at every age, stage and season of their lives.”

As women grow and change so does their risk for cardiovascular disease. CVD is the leading cause of death in women, claiming more lives than all cancers combined. Nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of CVD. It’s also the leading cause of maternal death in the U.S., and pregnancy-related deaths are on the rise.[2] Yet, according to an American Heart Association special report, younger generations of women, Gen Z and Millennials, are less likely to be aware of their greatest health threat, including knowing the warning signs of heart attacks and strokes.[3] That’s why it’s important for all women to advocate for their heart health and encourage others to do the same.

Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and the Chicago Go Red for Women Luncheon is locally sponsored by University of Chicago Medical Center. ABC7 Chicago served as the GRFW Chicago longtime media sponsor alongside Chicago Magazine and iHeartMedia. For more information contact Meghan Gaeger at Meghan.Gaeger@heart.org or visit http://www.heart.org/chicagogored.

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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, on 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:

Jorie Goins: (312) 298-9335;Jorie.Goins@Heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org