Three Oregon and southwest Washington women share stories of survival to raise awareness about No. 1 Killer
PORTLAND, Ore., February 2, 2026 — Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death for women,[1] and its impact is felt every day across Oregon and southwest Washington. Three local women — Holly Tucci, Tia B. Coachman and Tam Driscoll — each experienced life-threatening heart or stroke emergencies. Their quick action, resilience and willingness to trust their instincts saved their lives.
Now, as members of the American Heart Association’s 2026 Go Red for Women inaugural Class of Survivors in Oregon and southwest Washington, they are sharing their stories to help other women recognize the symptoms of cardiovascular disease and seek care without delay.
A Heart Condition at 20: Tia Brown Coachman
At just 20 years old, while finishing her senior year of college, Tia B. Coachman began experiencing rapid heartbeat, chest pain, and uncontrollable shaking. What she thought was stress turned out to be supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), a condition that made her heart beat too fast. After surgery and major lifestyle changes, Tia regained control of her health.
Now, two decades later, she runs her own HR consulting firm in Portland and continues to prioritize well-being. “Living with a heart condition looks like me, and it could look like you,” Tia says. “Trust your intuition. Advocate for yourself.”
Recognizing a Stroke in the Moment: Tam Driscoll
Tam Driscoll’s ordinary workday in Gresham turned life threatening when she recognized stroke symptoms—numbness, facial droop, and confusion—and called for help. Thanks to quick action by coworkers and first responders, Tam received clot-busting medication and surgery within two hours, saving her life.
“Successful stroke treatment depends on fast action because brain cell damage can start happening within minutes,” said Amit Kansara, MD, Providence Enterprise TeleNeurology medical director and American Heart Association volunteer board member.
“Know the signs and call 911 immediately.” Tam adds, “A stroke was not on my bingo card. You can’t wait. There’s no waiting.”
Living with a Lifelong Heart Condition: Holly Tucci
Born with heart block, Holly Tucci received her first pacemaker at age nine, enabling her to thrive in sports and college rowing. Over the years, she’s undergone 12 heart surgeries, including a recent battle with irregular rhythms that required intensive treatment.
Today, Holly champions heart health advocacy, supporting the federal HEARTS Act and serving as part of the region’s Go Red for Women Class of Survivors. “If we want change for the good, we’ve got to keep using our voices and sharing our stories,” she says.
Know Your Risk — and Take Action
Women are often underinformed, underdiagnosed and undertreated when it comes to cardiovascular disease. Risk increases during key life stages such as pregnancy and menopause. While some risk factors — age, gender, family history — cannot be changed, lifestyle choices can significantly reduce risk.
“Women have learned to push through things because we are tough and strong,” said Abigail Khan, MD, M.S.C.E., associate chief of clinical cardiology at Oregon Health & Science University and American Heart Association volunteer board member. “But if you start to have symptoms, don’t push through. Get evaluated.”
The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® movement aims to improve women’s health outcomes by elevating survivor voices and promoting education that can help save lives.
“These stories mark a powerful new chapter in how we honor strength and resilience in our community,” said Meredith Collett, executive director for the American Heart Association in Oregon and southwest Washington. “They remind us why research for women matters, why advocacy matters and why sharing these experiences can save lives.”
Join the Movement
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 Oregon and southwest Washington Go Red for Women Celebration in September 2026.
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and locally sponsored by Cambia Health Foundation and OHSU Health. For more information, contact Becca Pilipchuk at becca.pilipchuk@heart.org or visit heart.org/Oregon.
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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 Oregon and southwest Washington, find the American Heart Association on heart.org/Oregon, 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:
Jay Wintermeyer, jay.wintermeyer@heart.org
