Kentucky heart mom earns national recognition in American Heart Association’s Woman of Impact™ campaign

LOUISVILLE, KY April 23, 2025 — Sarah Michelle Boes, founder of Sarah Michelle NP and devoted mother to 2.5-year-old Meadow—who was born with Tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia—has been named the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Louisville, Kentucky Woman of Impact Winner for 2025. Sarah not only led the local campaign with passion and purpose but also earned national recognition, placing fourth in the country. Through her efforts, she raised critical funds and elevated awareness around heart disease, stroke and congenital heart disease (CHD), while improving overall well-being in the community.

"Incredible leaders like Sarah, and all of our Woman of Impact nominees, make a true impact on our mission,” said Greg Sciuto, Executive Director, American Heart Association, Kentuckiana. “Sharing their time, talents and voices to raise critical funds and awareness, to ensure all women in Kentucky are seen, heard and counted when it comes to their health."

Over the course of nine weeks, Sarah, along with a supportive team of family, friends and colleagues, competed for the Woman of Impact title by participating in various community awareness and fundraising activities. After raising critical funds and driving women’s health education initiatives, Boes was named this year’s winner.

“Heart defects are the most common birth defect, but also the most underfunded. My dream was to use this campaign to begin changing that,” said Boes. “This campaign wasn’t about a title. It was about Meadow. It was about other heart families. It was about turning something hard into something really good.”

The Woman of Impact campaign launched in over 100 cities on National Wear Red Day®, February 7. Collectively, this year’s Louisville nominees came together to raise funds in support of the Go Red for Women movement, a comprehensive platform that has been increasing women’s heart health awareness and improving the lives of women globally for more than two decades.

Other local nominees included:

• Linnea Kessans, Norton Children’s Medical Group

While the large majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to be a woman’s greatest health threat, as nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of CVD.[1]  Women also experience unique life stages, like pregnancy and menopause, that can increase their risk of developing CVD. Community leaders involved in Woman of Impact are paving the way for the future of women’s heart health and enabling more women to live longer and healthier lives.

To learn more about the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement in Louisville visit https://ahalouisville.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/2024-2025LouisvilleGoRedLuncheon/tabid/1490909/Default.aspx .

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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  
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org