San Angelo Go Red for Women event spotlights heart disease across genders
SAN ANGELO, Texas, Feb. 16, 2026 — The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement will bring its signature blend of inspiration, education and heart‑health advocacy to San Angelo on Feb. 18 — this year with a compelling twist. Although the campaign is rooted in improving women’s cardiovascular health, two of the three featured survivors sharing their stories at the event are men.
Event organizers say that’s exactly the point.
“Heart disease doesn’t check your gender before it strikes,” said Courtney Carson, chair of this year’s event. “By highlighting the experiences of both men and women, we’re underscoring the urgency for every family to know the signs, understand the risks and take action.”
San Angelo Go Red for Women will take place 5:30-9 p.m. Feb. 18 at McNease Convention Center.
The event will feature three survivors whose lives were interrupted — and forever changed — by cardiovascular events. In each instance, their health crisis galvanized their families to become stronger advocates for heart health. Their experiences mirror a national trend: women frequently miss the warning signs of heart disease in themselves because they’re focused on caring for others.
One of the featured survivors is family physician Dr. James Melott, an avid runner and tennis player whose heart stopped while he was working out at home in 2020. His son-in-law, a registered nurse, performed CPR until emergency personnel arrived. Melott, 54 at the time, spent several days in ICU and received stents for blockages in two arteries.
He admits had considered himself “indestructible” because he was so active and has since adopted more of a plant-based diet and taken a proactive role to reduce stress. The bottom line, he said, is that “you can always be doing more to reduce your risk [for cardiovascular disease].” Melott said the experience has made him a better, more empathetic physician.
Another featured survivor, Jim Carson, had heart issues that began when he was 46. What he thought was indigestion quickly escalated into a heart attack. Fast action by paramedics and doctors saved his life, but more challenges followed — including additional heart attacks, stents and two surgeries to repair an aortic aneurysm. His most recent procedure in 2025 addressed new complications, and today he is stable and closely monitored by his care team.
Throughout his journey, his wife, Stacy, has been his strongest advocate, often pushing for answers when symptoms didn’t match test results. She credits her involvement with Go Red for Women and the American Heart Association for helping her find the right specialists at critical moments. Jim and Stacy are the father and mother-in-law of event chair Courtney Stacy.
“I just knew something was wrong, even when the tests didn’t show it,” she said. “Because of Go Red, I knew exactly who to call — and that made all the difference.” Now, the Carsons share their story to raise awareness and help others recognize the signs of heart disease before it’s too late.
Kaci Follis was cooking at home in January 2025 when she suffered two strokes. A friend advised her to seek further diagnosis, and a specialist confirmed that she had a hole in her heart. She had corrective surgery, and her healing continues.
“If it hadn’t been for my dear friend recognizing that something wasn’t right, then this would have all been different,” Follis said.
“This lineup of survivors reflects the reality of how heart disease touches households,” Carson said. “When men share how their heart events affected their wives, daughters or partners — and how those women were instrumental in getting them help — it becomes a powerful reminder that women’s heart health isn’t just a women’s issue. It’s a family issue.”
Go Red for Women, now in its 22nd year, remains the Association’s leading platform for educating women about their No. 1 health threat: cardiovascular disease. The San Angelo event will spotlight prevention strategies, risk‑factor awareness and the importance of routine screenings for women, who often experience different or more subtle symptoms than men.
San Angelo Go Red for Women is sponsored nationally by CVS Health and presented locally by City National Bank. More information can be found at heart.org/SanAngeloGoRed.
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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 a 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
Cyd King: cyd.king@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
