Five Tarrant County leaders say “Yes” to driving women’s heart health through Go Red for Women movement
FORT WORTH, November 4th, 2025 — The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement is working to raise awareness, improve education and inspire action to help women better understand and learn how to prevent their number one health threat: cardiovascular disease. Five influential Tarrant County leaders have said ‘yes’ to this mission, championing lifesaving education and advocacy through the Tarrant County Go Red for Women Experience. This year’s event is themed “Get in the Go Red Groove!” and will be a bold, high-energy celebration of empowerment, heart health, and impact.
Heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 5 killers in the United States, claiming more lives than all forms of cancer combined. Nearly 45% of women ages 20 and older live with some form of cardiovascular disease. These numbers underscore why awareness and prevention are critical, and why this event is focused on equipping people with lifesaving skills. The American Heart Association of Tarrant County is fortunate to have these 5 leaders at the helm.
Event Chair Dr. Theodore Aquino, Chief Medical Officer at BNSF Railway, said “yes” to honor his mother, who passed away from a hemorrhagic stroke at just 59 years old. “I do this in her memory and to help prevent others from experiencing such loss,” Aquino said. He added, “As a physician, I see firsthand how heart disease and stroke impact families. This movement is about empowering women with knowledge, advocating for prevention, and ensuring that lifesaving skills like CPR are accessible to everyone.”
Honorary Chairs Michele and Fred Reynolds said “yes” to lead this year’s event and share their powerful story. Two years ago, Fred suffered a cardiac arrest on the golf course and beat 13% survival odds thanks to immediate CPR and rapid medical response. Fred’s recovery underscores the lifesaving power of immediate CPR, a skill the American Heart Association is working to make universal. Michele and Fred are taking a life-changing experience and using it to educate other families to join the Nation of Lifesavers.
Circle of Red Chair Delynn Crofford said “yes” after losing her first husband, the father of her four sons, to sudden cardiac arrest at age 48 while snow skiing, just five months after receiving a clean bill of health. Today, Delynn prioritizes her own heart health and advocates for awareness and prevention, so other families don’t suffer the same tragic loss.
Auction Chair Judy Jones Rotzoll said “yes” after surviving multiple strokes since her teens. Her own personal experience, fighting and surviving cardiovascular disease drives her passion to educate women about heart health and the subtle signs that can lead to serious conditions. She hopes her story will inspire others to pay attention to symptoms and seek care early.
These 5 leaders, supported by their Executive Leadership team are using this year’s Go Red for Women movement to empower the community to learn CPR and join its Nation of Lifesavers initiative. Nation of Lifesavers is a bold commitment by the American Heart Association to double survival rates from cardiac arrest by 2030. The goal: ensure more people are prepared to act when seconds matter. Each year, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside hospitals, and nearly 90% are fatal. Yet, learning Hands-Only CPR takes just 90 seconds and can double or triple survival chances. With most cardiac arrests happening at home, the life you save is likely someone you love. At this year’s Go Red Experience, guests will have the chance to learn Hands-Only CPR and join the movement to build a Nation of Lifesavers. Being prepared isn’t just powerful; it’s lifesaving.
The Tarrant County Go Red for Women Experience will also feature interactive wellness zones, inspiring survivor stories, and heart health spotlights. Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women, but together, we can change that. Grab your boldest red, bring your energy, and get in the Go Red groove because this is one experience you won’t want to miss.
Go Red for Women is locally sponsored by Texas Health and nationally sponsored by CVS Health. For more information about the Tarrant County campaign or to get involved, visit www.Heart.org/TarrantCountyGoRed or contact Brooke Berryman via email at Brooke.Berryman@heart.org.
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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.
For Media Inquiries:
Lindsey Lyons Jones
Phone: 214-441-4114
Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
