Anchorage, Alaska, Jan. 14, 2026 — The American Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all, has named four women to serve as 2026 Go Red for Women Ambassadors in Alaska. The women will volunteer their time and share their personal journeys in support of the Association’s Go Red for Women movement in Alaska. 

The 2026 Alaska Go Red for Women Ambassadors are: 

Hannah Kelley, heart disease survivor - In 2020, Hannah Kelley began experiencing sudden episodes of lightheadedness - so intense she worried she might pass out. A year later, she noticed something else was wrong: shortness of breath during runs, an activity she had loved for years. After consulting her doctor, the symptoms were attributed to anxiety. Then, everything changed. One afternoon while working, Hannah felt her heart begin to race uncontrollably. It was her first episode of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Scared and unsure of what was happening, she went to the emergency room. Medication stabilized her heart rhythm, and she was referred to a cardiologist for follow-up care. At first, Hannah’s care team recommended a “wait and see” approach. But months later, she returned to the emergency room after experiencing two straight days of an irregular heartbeat. Additional testing revealed not only AFib, but also a second condition affecting her heart muscle, Left Ventricle Non-Compaction (LVNC). Her treatment plan included medication and, eventually, a procedure to restore her heart’s normal rhythm. Today, Hannah is thriving thanks to timely medical intervention and meaningful lifestyle changes. Her message to other women is simple but powerful: be persistent. Trust your instincts. Advocate for yourself until you’re heard—because your health depends on it. 

Kyrstyn Kelly, congenital heart disease survivor - Kyrstyn Kelly has never known life without heart disease. Born with a congenital heart defect affecting her pulmonary valve, her childhood was marked by countless appointments and procedures. At just two years old, she underwent her first heart procedure. At five, a second. By 16, she became the first person to receive a groundbreaking treatment for her condition. Then came shocking news in 2024: after all those interventions, her pulmonary valve was failing. Open-heart surgery was the only option. Kyrstyn faced it head-on and today, she’s doing well. She shares her story to remind other congenital heart defect patients that they are not alone, even when the journey feels isolating. And she looks forward to future innovations that will transform care for the youngest heart warriors.

April Park, 2026 Anchorage Go Red for Women Chair - April Park understands the impact of heart disease on a deeply personal level. It has touched members of her Alaskan family, and through her work at Alaska Heart & Vascular Institute, she’s witnessed both the patient and caregiver experience firsthand. But it was attending the Go Red for Women Luncheon in Anchorage that truly brought it all together, a powerful community of women sharing stories, resources and support to improve heart and brain health. Inspired by that experience, April stepped forward to lead as the 2026 Go Red for Women Chair in Alaska. Her mission is clear: to ensure every woman in Anchorage leaves feeling informed, empowered and ready to be a force for change in Alaska and around the globe. 

Malia Texeira, heart disease survivor - In 2023, Malia Texeira noticed something wasn’t right. What seemed to start off as common cold symptoms, within weeks simple tasks were leaving her breathless. Walking through the grocery store felt like climbing a mountain. Concerned, she went to her doctor. During the exam, her care team heard a heart murmur and everything changed in an instant. Tests revealed that one of Malia’s heart valves wasn’t working properly, and she needed open-heart surgery. The surgery was daunting, but the hardest part came afterward. For someone who had always been active and on the go, recovery was a humbling experience. Malia learned resilience the hard way, through patience, vulnerability and trust in her body’s ability to heal. Today, she’s healthy, strong and passionate about sharing her story. Her message to women everywhere: listen to your body. If something feels off, speak up. It could save your life. 

The 2026 Alaska Go Red for Women ambassadors invite women across Alaska to join them in supporting Go Red for Women by wearing red on Feb. 6, National Wear Red Day and attending the Anchorage Go Red for Women Luncheon on Feb. 13 at the Dena’ina Center. Resources to support women’s heart health at every age and stage of life are available at GoRedforWomen.org

Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and locally sponsored by Providence Alaska, Alaska Heart & Vascular Institute, LifeMed Alaska, the Ellsworth Foundation, Alaska Regional Hospital and Alyeska Vascular Surgery.

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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 Alaska, connect with us on heart.org/Alaska, 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:

Valerie Koch, valerie.koch@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org