Five Washington women share stories of survival as Go Red for Women ambassadors to bring attention to women’s top health threat
SEATTLE, January 7, 2026 - The American Heart Association announced five women with personal connections to heart disease and stroke as 2026 Go Red for Women ambassadors in Washington. The ambassador class includes women’s health advocate Florence Chang; pediatric stroke survivor Makenzie Childs and her mother Jamie Childs; heart survivor Therese Dumas; and congenital heart defect survivor Annie Thordarson-Lee.
Throughout 2026, they will serve as the faces of Go Red for Women in the Washington, sharing their stories and insights to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which remain among women’s top health threats in the U.S. Nearly half of women age 20 and older live with some form of CVD, yet too many remain underinformed, underdiagnosed and undertreated. The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement, launched more than two decades ago, seeks to change these statistics by shining a light on women’s real-world experiences, increasing public understanding, and advancing research into women’s heart and brain health.
Meet the 2026 Go Red for Women ambassadors in Washington:
Florence Chang, chair, Go Red for Women - Florence Chang, president of MultiCare Health System, sees the strength, leadership and care women bring to their families, workplaces and communities every day, and she is passionate about encouraging women to extend that same care and intention to their own health and well-being. Heart disease and stroke remain the leading health threats facing women, making awareness and prevention more important than ever. As the 2026 Puget Sound Go Red for Women chair, she is committed to elevating women’s voices, inspiring advocacy and building a supportive community where women champion one another and are empowered to take charge of their heart health.
Makenzie "Kenzie” Childs, pediatric stroke survivor – In 2017, at just five years old, Makenzie Childs suffered a stroke while visiting a pumpkin patch. Her parents knew she needed urgent medical care when the left side of her body became weak and immobile. After doctors confirmed the stroke diagnosis, Kenzie began intensive educational, physical and occupational therapy that helped her regain strength and return to one of her favorite activities, dancing. Kenzie is on a mission to remind others that stroke can affect people of all ages, including children.
Jamie Childs, caregiver – When Jamie Childs got a call at work saying something seemed off with her five-year-old daughter Kenzie, stroke was the last thing on her mind. She rushed home, and as Kenzie’s symptoms worsened, the reality hit: they needed to go to the emergency room. The diagnosis of stroke was shocking and life changing. Overnight, Jamie became a caregiver and fierce advocate for Kenzie. Today, she shares her story to give fellow parents hope and to remind everyone that recognizing the warning signs of stroke and taking quick action can save a life.
Therese Dumas, heart disease survivor - As a cardiology nurse practitioner for nearly 30 years, Therese Dumas never imagined she would be the one requiring cardiac care. In 2020, she began experiencing severe chest pain that led to a diagnosis of pericarditis, a condition where the tissues around the heart are inflamed, and eventually a heart failure diagnosis. Despite needing oxygen and struggling to walk even short distances, Therese continued working and advocating for her patients. She also advocated for herself, fighting to get the tests and care she needed, and ultimately undergoing a pericardiectomy in 2025, where doctors discovered an 80% blockage requiring bypass surgery. Therese shares her unique perspective as both provider and patient, emphasizing how women’s heart symptoms are often overlooked. She urges women to advocate for themselves and reminds patients that healing takes a supportive village.
Annie Thordarson-Lee, congenital heart defect survivor – Annie Thordarson-Lee was born with multiple heart defects, undergoing her first surgery at just 18 months and later receiving a pacemaker as a child. Growing up, Annie knew her heart was different. Doctors cautioned her family that she shouldn’t push her heart too hard and while her basketball dreams never made it to the court, she discovered a love for music instead. About a year ago, Annie faced another challenge, open-heart surgery to replace a valve. It was daunting, but it reinforced her motto, “we can do hard things.” Today, Annie shares her story to inspire others and prove that a full, healthy life is possible, even with a congenital heart defect.
To help raise awareness and show support for the Go Red for Women movement, the community is invited to wear red on National Wear Red Day, Friday, Feb. 6, 2026. The movement will celebrate its impact locally at the Puget Sound Go Red for Women Experience on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 4105 Seattle.
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and locally sponsored by MultiCare Health System, T-Mobile and Cambia Health Foundation. More information is at heart.org/pugetsoundgored.
Additional resources:
- Multimedia is available on the right side of the release
- Read in Spanish
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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. In Washington, visit heart.org/Washington, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or X.
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:
Lily Gordon: lily.gordon@heart.org
Valerie Koch: valerie.koch@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
