Pediatric nurse, mother, stroke survivor takes on women’s top health threat: cardiovascular disease

BUFFALO, NY May 1, 2025 — Kelly Naab, pediatric nurse practitioner at Williamsville Pediatrics and co-medical director for Clarence Central School District, mother and two-time stroke survivor, is the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Buffalo Woman of Impact Winner for 2025. Naab won the local competition by raising funds and increasing awareness to combat heart disease and stroke in women while improving overall well-being in the community. According to the American Heart Association, a global force for longer, healthier lives, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among women in the U.S. It claims the lives of 1 in 3 women disproportionately affecting women of color.

“Thanks to the efforts of incredible leaders like Kelly and all of our nominees, we’re making strides to ensure all women in Buffalo are seen, heard and counted when it comes to their health,” said Shannon Cercone, Buffalo Go Red for Women development director for the American Heart Association. “Together, we have the power to help ensure more women are represented in research, have the information they need for heart health through every stage of life and receive quality and timely care. The power of our community coming together creates better health outcomes for all of us.”

Over the course of nine weeks, Naab, along with a team of family, friends and colleagues, competed for the Woman of Impact title by participating in various community awareness and fundraising activities. She raised critical funds and promoted women’s health education initiatives through activities including a hip hop dance class and a shop night at a local boutique. The Woman of Impact campaign is part of the American Heart Association’s signature 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.

“It was important for me to participate in Woman of Impact because as a grateful stroke survivor, mom and nurse practitioner, I am passionate about education, awareness and advocacy for heart health and wellness,” said Naab. “I am honored to have received this recognition and am excited to continue working alongside the American Heart Association and its Go Red for Women initiative to help ensure all women know their risk factors and have the information they need to live longer, healthier lives.”

The Woman of Impact campaign was launched in over 100 cities on National Wear Red Day®, February 7. In Buffalo, three community leaders were nominated to participate. Collectively, this year’s Buffalo nominees raised over $21,000 for the Buffalo American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement.

Other local nominees included:

• Alyssa Alloy, Manager of Site Operations, GEICO
• Erica Frank, Global IP Director, Rich Products

While the large majority of cardiac events can be prevented, 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 Buffalo, contact Shannon Cercone, Buffalo Go Red for Women development director, at Shannon.Cercone@Heart.org.

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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 inquires:

Anna Heerdt | Anna.Heerdt@Heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org