SEATTLE, March 10, 2025 — Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the No. 1 killer of women, yet women remain underdiagnosed and undertreated. Women also experience unique life stages, like pregnancy and menopause, that increase their risk of heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement is committed to ensuring women are no longer disproportionately affected by CVD. The annual Puget Sound Go Red for Women Experience invited the community to learn about women’s heart health and help fund critical, lifesaving research to address the unique risk factors and needs of women.

On Thursday, March 6, 2025, 230 guests dressed in red attended the 2025 Puget Sound Go Red for Women Experience at the King Street Ballroom & Perch in Seattle. The Hooper family from Redmond, Wash. shared how two daughters in their family were diagnosed with a genetic condition called dilated cardiomyopathy. For Hana Hooper, it led to heart failure and strokes and eventually a heart transplant. Her sister, Michaela Hanson, continues to manage her condition. In addition to honoring the Hoopers, the event also celebrated raising more than $300,000 to support advancements in identifying, diagnosing, treating and preventing CVD in women.

“Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in women, and events like this year’s Go Red for Women Experience are crucial for raising awareness and providing education to help all women better understand their risks for heart disease and stroke and how to reduce it,” said Lee McGrath, Puget Sound Go Red for Women chairperson and executive vice president of health care services, Premera Blue Cross. “Together, we can ensure every woman is supported and that no one has to go it alone.” 

McGrath spoke at the Go Red for Women Experience and introduced the campaign chairperson for 2026: Florence Chang, president, MultiCare Health System.  

Since 2004, the Go Red for Women movement has raised awareness and addressed clinical care gaps of CVD for women. As the movement celebrates more than 20 years of making an impact, the Association, a global force for healthier lives for all for more than 100 years, calls on all women to take charge of their health and make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of their community.

Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and the Puget Sound Go Red for Women Experience is locally presented by Optum Care Washington, Premera Blue Cross, MultiCare Health System and Cambia Health Foundation. 

To make a donation to Go Red for Women, visit heart.org/PugetSoundGoRed.

###

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 Washington, visit heart.org/Washington, or follow us on 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). 

Media Contacts: 
Francesca Minas, Francesca.minas@heart.org
Valerie Koch, Valerie.koch@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org