Local leaders Darcy Schroeder and Liz Mathews to champion movement for women’s heart health in Corpus Christi

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – 20 March 2025 – Nearly half of women ages 20 and older are living with some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD), the No. 1 killer of women. Because of their passion for improving women’s heart health in Corpus Christi, Darcy Schroeder, longtime American Heart Association volunteer and local leader, and Liz Mathews, dedicated healthcare advocate and nurse, will serve as the 2024-2025 volunteer co-chairs of Go Red for Women in Corpus Christi.

Launched more than two decades ago to increase women’s heart health awareness, Go Red for Women is the American Heart Association’s global movement designed to serve as a catalyst for change to improve the health of women. As the American Heart Association enters its second century of lifesaving work, Schroeder and Mathews will play a critical role in leading the Corpus Christi Go Red for Women movement, driving efforts in education, prevention, and community support.

CVD is the leading cause of death in women, claiming more lives than all cancers combined, and continues to be women’s greatest health threat. According to the American Heart Association, as women grow and change, so does their risk for CVD. Unique life stages like pregnancy and menopause can affect that risk. The good news is the majority of cardiovascular disease incidents can be prevented through lifestyle changes and education. Through Go Red for Women, the Association calls on all women to take charge of their health and encourage other women to do the same. Because when it comes to their health, women have the best resource: each other.

“I was inspired to chair Go Red for Women this year because heart disease continues to impact so many women in our community, including those we love,” said Schroeder. “As women, we often put others first. Through Go Red for Women, the American Heart

Association encourages us to prioritize our own heart health. I’m honored to lead this effort to raise awareness, provide education, and inspire action to help women of all ages take control of their heart health and support each other in this vital mission.”

Mathews echoed this passion, sharing, “Heart disease often goes under recognized in women, and the symptoms can present differently than in men. As a nurse, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to educate women on the risks, prevention, and early detection of heart disease. Supporting Go Red for Women helps drive research, better treatments, and education that empowers women to be proactive about their heart health.”

Through their leadership, Schroeder and Mathews will focus on empowering local women with the knowledge and tools to take control of their heart health. This year’s campaign will emphasize the importance of recognizing cardiovascular risks unique to women, ensuring that all women have access to life-saving information, and encouraging businesses and individuals to support heart health initiatives in Corpus Christi.

“We are incredibly grateful for Darcy Schroeder and Liz Mathews and their unwavering passion and dedication to the Go Red for Women movement,” said Erin Wilder, American Heart Association Corpus Christi Executive Director. “They lead by example through their commitment to raising awareness and advocating for women’s heart health, and because of this, they have made a significant impact on our community.”

Go Red for Women is a global movement with impact across the United States and in more than 50 countries around the world. This year’s Go Red for Women movement and its local achievements will be celebrated on May 15, at the 2025 Corpus Christi Go Red for Women Luncheon.

Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and the Corpus Christi Go Red for Women Luncheon is locally sponsored by Christus Health, Methodist Healthcare Ministries, Corpus Christi Medical Center, Farmer’s Insurance Stephanie Waterman, AEP Texas, Arcelor Mittal, Texas Vein and Vasuclar, Oceana Luxe Medspa. For more information, contact Kimberly Shick at Kimberly.Shick@heart.org or visit our website.

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.  

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:

Name: Zahra Cruzan

Phone: 210-712-3216

Email: zahra.cruzan@heart.org

For Public Inquiries:

1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org