Bakersfield, Calif., Jan. 15, 2026 — The American Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all, has named five women to serve as 2026 Go Red for Women Ambassadors in Kern County. The women will volunteer their time and share their personal journeys and expertise in support of the Association’s Go Red for Women movement.

The 2026 Kern County Go Red for Women Ambassadors are:

Bertha Acosta – stroke survivor. Bertha was at work when she was suddenly overcome by dizziness, confusion and an excruciating headache. Unsure what was going on, a concerned co-worker drove Bertha to a nearby emergency room. She was eventually diagnosed with a bleeding stroke caused by a ruptured brain aneurysm. Bertha spent over three weeks in the hospital, most of it in neuro critical care. She then faced a long recovery marked by memory loss, headaches and anxiety. Today, Bertha is doing well and deeply grateful for her family’s unwavering support. Now, she’s committed to giving back by offering hope and encouragement to other stroke and aneurysm survivors on their journey.

Nikky Bardia, M.D. - heart health expert. Dr. Bardia is an interventional cardiologist with Dignity Health and volunteer for the American Heart Association in Kern County. As a physician she wants women to know that heart disease doesn’t always look dramatic. Subtle symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, jaw or back pain matter. It’s important to listen to your body and speak up if something doesn’t feel right. She adds, “Taking care of your heart isn’t selfish; it’s an act of strength and self-respect.”

Emily Duran - 2026 Kern County Go Red for Women chair and women’s health advocate – Emily Duran is the chief executive officer of Kern Family Health Care and is passionate about expanding access to heath care, educating the community about good health and well-being, and advocating for underserved populations. She is leading the Go Red for Women movement in Kern County because she believes when women have the knowledge, resources and care they deserve, they not only survive, but thrive. Working alongside Go Red for Women, she wants to make sure that all women have a fair chance at a long and healthy life. 

Maria Pelayo – heart disease survivor. Maria and her husband were excited to grow their family when she became pregnant in 2022. But at 33 weeks, she developed shortness of breath and a persistent cough she thought was bronchitis. Despite treatment and a subsequent visit to the emergency room, her symptoms worsened. After symptoms failed to go away, a friend urged her to call 911. That decision saved her life. Tests revealed her heart was functioning at only 19%, she had pregnancy-related heart failure. At 36 weeks, Maria delivered a healthy baby girl, but her heart challenges continued. Today, her heart function has improved, though she still lives with heart failure. Her advice to other women: trust yourself. Don’t ignore symptoms or let anyone dismiss what you’re feeling. Believing her instincts saved her life. 

Kim Price – heart disease survivor. For more than 12 years, Kim has been living with an irregular heartbeat. When symptoms first appeared, her heart would pause then follow by a strong beat, she didn’t know what was happening. Although she’s been to numerous appointments and has undergone many tests, the cause of Kim’s arrythmia remains unexplained. Instead of focusing on the unknown, Kim focuses on what she can control: a heart-healthy diet, giving up caffeine and working closely with her medical team to manage symptoms and medication. Her message to other women is to advocate for your health. Never let anyone minimize your journey or talk you out of caring for your well-being. 

The 2026 Kern County Go Red for Women ambassadors invite women in Bakersfield and beyond to join them in supporting Go Red for Women by wearing red on Feb. 6, National Wear Red Day and attending the Kern County Go Red for Women Luncheon at the Stockdale Country Club. 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 Dignity Health. 

Additional resources:

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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 Kern County, find the American Heart Association on heart.org/SouthernCalifornia, 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