Dallas philanthropist breaks record, builds legacy in women’s heart health
DALLAS, June 30, 2025 — When Regina Bruce suffered a heart attack, she didn’t just recover—she rose. This year, the retired financial advisor and lifelong humanitarian turned her personal health crisis into a mission to save lives, leading the most successful Woman of Impact™ campaign in Dallas history.
Chosen as a 2025 American Heart Association® Go Red for Women® Woman of Impact nominee, Bruce launched a nine-week campaign on National Wear Red Day®, February 7, with a team of 47 passionate friends and family members. Together, they raised an astounding $171,976 and earned 248,226 total impact points, breaking the previous Dallas record by more than 100,000 points. Her campaign ranked No. 2 nationally out of 507 candidates and earned her a place in the prestigious Centennial Club.
“I am so grateful to my dedicated team of friends, family, and other supporters/donors who boldly walked beside me on this incredible journey. We championed this important cause together, and I am so thankful to each and every one of them,” said Bruce. “I know what it’s like to face heart disease head-on. This campaign was about honoring every woman who’s been silenced by heart disease and empowering those who still have a chance to change their story.”
While the large majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to be a woman’s greatest health threat, as nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of CVD. Women also experience unique life stages, like pregnancy and menopause, that can increase their risk of developing CVD. Community leaders, like Bruce, involved in Woman of Impact are paving the way for the future of women’s heart health and enabling more women to live longer and healthier lives.
Bruce’s campaign included a series of community events focused on women’s health education, awareness, and prevention. Her leadership and impact reflect a lifelong commitment to service. Raised in a small town in Middle Tennessee, she moved to Texas for college, putting herself through school with scholarships and hard work. After a successful career at Price Waterhouse and Bank of America/Merrill Lynch, she now dedicates her time to Lone Star Monarchs, a nonprofit she co-founded to support children’s education, homelessness, suicide prevention, and women’s health.
“Regina is a force of nature,” said Jill Griffith, Region Senior Vice President for the American Heart Association in North Texas. “Her story, her leadership, and her heart have inspired our entire community. She’s not just raising awareness—she’s changing lives.”
The Woman of Impact campaign is part of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement, which aims to close the gender gap in cardiovascular research and care. While 80% of cardiac events are preventable, heart disease remains the leading cause of death for women, claiming 1 in 3 lives each year and disproportionately affecting women of color.
Join the Movement
Regina Bruce’s record-breaking campaign is a testament to the power of purpose-driven leadership and community support. Her journey proves that one woman, backed by a passionate team, can ignite change and save lives.
The American Heart Association is now seeking the next class of changemakers. If you or someone you know is ready to make an impact, nominate a leader for the 2026 Woman of Impact™ campaign and help us continue the fight against cardiovascular disease in women.
To learn more or get involved, email ana.whitcomb@heart.org or visit the American Heart Association® Go Red for Women’s® Dallas Woman of Impact™ page online.
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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:
Lindsey Lyons Jones
Phone: 214-441-4114
Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
