ESTERO, Fla., Jan. 21, 2026 — The American Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all, is bringing awareness to women’s stroke risk. For women, a stroke can strike without warning and change everything in an instant. It is the third leading cause of death in women, and one in five women will experience a stroke in her lifetime. Women are also more likely than men to have a stroke, yet too often their symptoms are missed, misunderstood, or treated too late.
To raise awareness of these risks and disparities, the Association is urging Southwest Florida residents to wear red on February 6, National Wear Red Day and join the Go Red for Women® movement to help save lives.
For Stephenie Whitfield, those statistics became real on Thanksgiving morning in 2018. While preparing a holiday meal at home, she suffered a sudden stroke that left her unable to speak and paralyzed on the left side of her body.
She was rushed to the hospital, where doctors confirmed she was having a stroke and immediately began emergency treatment. In the hours and days that followed, Whitfield faced terrifying uncertainty, followed by months of grueling rehabilitation as she fought to relearn how to speak, walk and regain control of her body.
“I went from planning a family celebration to struggling just to get words out,” Whitfield said. “I had no idea this could happen to me.”
Later testing revealed inherited risk factors, compounded by years of chronic stress. Determined to be there for her husband and children and to protect her future, Whitfield committed to lasting lifestyle changes and now shares her story so other women will recognize symptoms, understand their risks and seek care quickly.
“I want to see my kids grow up,” she said. “Knowing the risks can make all the difference.”
Through Go Red for Women, the American Heart Association is working to close gaps in awareness, research and care for women. The movement focuses on educating women about their risk for heart disease and stroke and how to reduce it, while funding research that addresses women’s unique health experiences and needs. Go Red for Women also supports policy efforts aimed at expanding access to critical healthcare, lifesaving training and proven technologies for women nationwide.
“Too many women don’t see themselves as being at risk for stroke, and that delay can be deadly,” said Jessaca Rodriguez, executive director of development and community health for the American Heart Association. “By raising awareness, supporting research and sharing survivor stories like Stephenie’s, we can help women recognize warning signs and take action sooner.”
Know the most common stroke warning signs, that come on suddenly, with the acronym F.A.S.T.
- Face drooping: One side of the face may droop or feel numb.
- Arm weakness: One arm may feel weak or numb.
- Speech difficulty: Speech may be slurred or hard to understand.
- Time to call 9-1-1: If you observe these signs, seek emergency help immediately.
Other sudden stroke symptoms can include:
- Numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
- Confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech.
- Trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
- Trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
- Severe headache with no known cause.
On National Wear Red Day, people and landmarks across the country will “go red” to spotlight the toll heart disease, including stroke, takes on women and the steps that can save lives.
Join the conversation online by sharing on social media using #WearRedDay, #WearRedAndGive and #GoRedforWomen.
Find resources to support women’s heart health at every age and stage of life at GoRedforWomen.org and learn more about National Wear Red Day at WearRedDay.org. Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS and locally by SWFL Live Fierce sponsor Lee Health. For more information about the SWFL Go Red for Women movement, contact Julianne Perrone at julianne.perrone@heart.org or visit SWFL Go Red.
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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, 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:
Janeth Castrejon: janeth.castrejon@heart.org
heart.org and stroke.org
