Six Kentucky women join nationwide effort to combat No. 1 killer
Kentucky, Feb. 13, 2025— Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the No. 1 killer of women.[1] To kick off American Heart Month this February, six Kentucky leaders are joining the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® movement to change this statistic through the Woman of Impact initiative. Launched over two decades ago to increase women’s heart health awareness and address clinical care gaps, the Go Red for Women movement serves as a catalyst to improve the lives of women globally. This year’s Woman of Impact class will work from February 7 to April 10 to raise funds to advance research and education initiatives to better identify, diagnose, treat and prevent CVD in women.
Heart disease unfairly targets women, who have been left out of research, testing, treatment and funding. Women also experience unique life stages, like pregnancy and menopause, that can increase their risk of developing CVD over the course of their lifetime. However, the majority of cardiovascular events can be prevented through lifestyle changes and education. The Association’s Go Red for Women movement is committed to meeting the needs of women in every age, stage and season of life as a trusted, relevant source for credible, equitable health solutions.
"Many people don’t realize that heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming more lives than all cancers combined," said Greg Sciuto, Executive Director at the American Heart Association in Kentuckiana. "In fact, less than half of women know how serious the risk really is. That’s why the Woman of Impact nominees play such an important role. They’re bringing women together across Kentucky to raise awareness, share life-saving information, and empower each other to take charge of their heart health. Together, we can make sure women feel supported, informed, and never have to face these challenges on their own."
Woman of Impact, a nationwide initiative, launched in hundreds of cities across the country on National Wear Red Day, February 7. At the start of the campaign, nominees nationwide embark on a nine-week journey to help transform the health of women in their communities through education and fundraising. Each week, nominees participate in activities designed to create a culture of wellness and advance equitable health. Activities may include educational events, learning and spreading the word about CPR, getting physically active, recruiting women to participate in research and more. Nominees also raise critical funds for the Kentucky American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement and other lifesaving research, advocacy, and education.
Kentuckiana’s 2025 Woman of Impact Nominees are:
- Sarah Michelle Boes, Founder / Chief Nursing Officer, Sarah Michelle NP Reviews
- Linnea Kessans, Access Center Coordinator, Norton Children's Medical Group
Central Kentucky’s 2025 Woman of Impact Nominees are:
- Christine Trout Van Tatenhove, Owner, The Junk Luggers of Kentucky
- Kelly Waespe, MD, Cardiology, Baptist Health
- Shelesha Peyton, Dispatcher / Feeder Twilight Supervisor, UPS
- Shelley Stanko, MD, Chief Medical Officer / Family Physician, BHI Saint Joseph Health
After nine weeks of driving immense impact, the competition will culminate on April 10. One nominee will be named the 2025 Woman of Impact Winner in both Kentuckiana and Central Kentucky. In addition to local community winners, one changemaker from across the country will be named the National Woman of Impact Winner on April 15.
“As the American Heart Association embarks on its second century of lifesaving work, our mission remains focused on improving lives. Women have an incredible ability to uplift, educate, and inspire one another. When it comes to their health, their greatest strength is each other,” said Meredith Herald, Development Director at the American Heart Association in Central Kentucky. “By coming together, women can create meaningful change and empower one another to prioritize heart health. We’re thrilled to have these amazing women join us in advancing women’s heart health right here in Kentucky.”
While most cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease continues to take the life of 1 in 3 women.
To learn more about the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement visit GoRedforWomen.org/Kentucky.
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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:
Leah Rafferty
leah.rafferty@heart.org
Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
