TULSA, Sept. 22, 2025 — About 200 supporters will unite in red on Thursday, Oct. 2, at Arvest Convention Center to raise awareness and critical funds for women’s heart health at the 2025 Tulsa Go Red for Women® Luncheon. The event is hosted by the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere and sponsored nationally by CVS Health.

The luncheon will spotlight a local survivor and keynote speaker and highlight the urgent need to close gaps in cardiovascular care for women.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming more lives than all cancers combined. Nearly 45% of women over age 20 live with some form of cardiovascular disease, yet women remain underrepresented in research, underdiagnosed in clinical settings and undertreated across all stages of life.

After undergoing open-heart surgery earlier this year, Tulsa resident Marguerite Steele said she discovered a “sisterhood” through the local Go Red for Women movement — a community of women united by their experiences with heart disease.

During a routine checkup, her doctor detected a heart murmur, and a follow-up echocardiogram revealed that both her mitral and tricuspid valves were not functioning properly. The mitral valve controls blood flow between the heart’s left chambers, while the tricuspid valve manages flow on the right side. When these valves don’t work correctly, the heart struggles to pump efficiently, which can lead to serious complications or even heart failure,

“I got to my car, and I just cried,” recalls Steele of the day she received her diagnosis. Surgery was just a few weeks later.

“One of the hardest parts was that I was the one taking care of everybody else,” she adds. Suddenly, the shoe was on the other foot. “You face mortality in a way that you never have.”

Steele ‘s story underscores the importance of early detection, education and community support in saving lives.

Attendees will also hear from keynote speaker Marsha Martin, a trailblazing entrepreneur, philanthropist and former American Heart Association board member.

Martin is the founder of Onyx Brands Inc., a beauty product company known for its nail care and bath products. Her career began at Walmart’s corporate office in Bentonville, Ark., where she worked alongside founder Sam Walton. With a cosmetology degree and an appetite for innovation, Martin introduced pure acetone to the retail market and expanded her brand into major retailers including Walmart, Meijer and TJ Maxx.

In addition to her business success, Martin is a dedicated philanthropist and real estate investor and currently serves on the University of Arkansas Razorback Foundation Board of Directors.

“Marsha’s story is one of vision, resilience and heart,” said American Heart Association-Tulsa Executive Director Megan Korn. “Her commitment to women’s health and her leadership in both business and philanthropy make her an inspiring voice for this year’s luncheon.”

The luncheon also celebrates members of the Tulsa Circle of Red, a powerful network of advocates, fundraisers and leaders working to combat heart disease and stroke in women. More than a fundraising group, they drive awareness, foster community engagement, and champion a culture of strength and action in women’s health. This year’s Circle of Red was led by Kim Owen, senior director of community relations and training at Bama Companies.

Guests are encouraged to wear red in solidarity and support of women’s heart health. 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 of heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them tools they need to make heart-healthy lifestyle changes, advocate for equitable health care and inspire others to prioritize their cardiovascular well-being.

For more information, go to www.heart.org/TulsaGoRed or contact Megan.Korn@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 a 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.

For Media Inquiries

Cyd King: cyd.king@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org