3 Western New York changemakers lead effort to fight No. 1 killer

American Heart Association’s ‘Woman of Impact’ nominees champion heart health for Go Red for Women’s fundraising and philanthropy initiative

Submitted by the American Heart Association 

To celebrate February as American Heart Month, three Western New York women are joining the American Heart Association to fight their No. 1 health threat, cardiovascular disease (CVD), through “Woman of Impact.”

The initiative is an extension of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement, a comprehensive platform designed more than two decades ago to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. This year’s “Woman of Impact” class will work from Feb. 2 to April 4 to raise funds to support research and education to better identify, diagnose, treat and prevent CVD in women.

Women experience unique life stages that can increase their risk of developing CVD over the course of their lifetime. In fact, CVD is the No. 1 killer of new moms as the leading case of maternal mortality. The good news is, the majority of cardiovascular events can be prevented with lifestyle changes and education, which is the foundation of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement.

“Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in women, claiming more lives than all cancers combined, so it’s vital for all women to take charge of their heart health and encourage others to do the same,” said Alison Stoute, 2024 Buffalo Go Red for Women co-chairwoman and first lady of Canisius University. “Nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of CVD. I am here to encourage women to raise their voices and make sure all Western New York women know how to take steps now to protect our hearts later.”

“Woman of Impact,” a nationwide initiative, launched in more than 100 cities across the country on National Wear Red Day, Feb. 2. At the start of the campaign, hundreds of nominees nationwide embark on a nine-week journey to help transform the health of women through education and fundraising. Each week, nominees participate in activities designed to create a culture of wellness and advance health equity. Activities may include educational events, learning and spreading the word about CPR, getting physically active, recruiting women to participate in research and more. Nominees also raise critical funds for the Buffalo American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement.

Buffalo’s 2024 “Woman of Impact” nominees are:

√ Madelyn Ferriter, student at University at Buffalo and stroke survivor

√ Lauren Harvey, marketing and communications coordinator at The Buffalo Club and program coordinator at Buffalo Bandettes

√ Kathy Lovett-McKeever, Mrs. Buffalo and food safety manager at Wegmans

On April 4, one nominee will be named the Buffalo 2024 “Woman of Impact” winner. In addition to local market winners, one nominee from across the country will be named the national “Woman of Impact” winner.

“By using their influence, their local networks and their unique lived experiences, these volunteers are able to make a measurable difference in Western New York, and we are so grateful for each of them,” said Linda Walleshauser, SPHR, SHRM-CP, 2024 Buffalo Go Red for Women co-chairwoman and associate vice president for human resources and compliance at Canisius University. “ ‘Woman of Impact’ truly embodies the power of coming together to create important and lasting change for good. As the American Heart Association celebrates its 100th anniversary and two decades of Go Red for Women, we recognize the bold moves making it possible to address inequities, remove barriers and advance opportunities to improve women’s health.”

While the large majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease continues to take the life of 1 in 3 women.

To learn more about the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement in Buffalo, contact [email protected]. To see information on all the local nominees, visit the Buffalo “Woman of Impact” website.

More About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 – our centennial year – we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact, our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

More 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, visit GoRedforWomen.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721).