ROCHESTER, N.Y., Dec. 2, 2025 — Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the No. 1 killer of women, yet women remain underdiagnosed and undertreated.1 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 Rochester Go Red for Women Luncheon 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 Tuesday, Dec. 2, over 200 guests dressed in red attended the 2025 Rochester Go Red for Women Luncheon united against women’s greatest health threat. The Luncheon honored survivors, celebrated advancements in heart health and raised over $255,000 to continue to better identify, diagnose, treat and prevent CVD in women.
“Heart disease is still the leading cause of death for women, which is why the Go Red for Women Luncheon is vital,” said Pamela Heald, Go Red for Women chair and president and CEO of Reliant Credit Union. “This movement isn’t just about raising funds for research, it’s about awareness, education and empowerment. We want every woman to understand her risks for heart disease and stroke and know how to take action. Together, we can ensure every woman is supported and that no one has to go it alone.”
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 driving research and innovation to meet women’s unique health needs,” said Megan Vargulick, executive director of the American Heart Association, Rochester. “Here in Rochester, we invite survivors, mothers, sisters and caregivers to make their heart health a priority. Go Red for Women is committed to supporting women’s health and well-being at every age, stage and season of their lives.”
As women grow and change so does their risk for cardiovascular disease. CVD is the leading cause of death in women, claiming more lives than all cancers combined. Nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of CVD. It’s also the leading cause of maternal death in the U.S., and pregnancy-related deaths are on the rise.2 Yet, according to an American Heart Association special report, younger generations of women, Gen Z and Millennials, are less likely to be aware of their greatest health threat, including knowing the warning signs of heart attacks and strokes.3 That’s why it’s important for all women to advocate for their heart health and encourage others to do the same.
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, and the Rochester Go Red for Women Luncheon is locally sponsored by UR Medicine. For more information contact Michelle Marks Hook at MichelleMarksHook@Heart.org, or visit Heart.org/GoRedROC.
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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:
Anna Heerdt: Anna.Heerdt@Heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
