Mrs. Buffalo triumphs in fight against No. 1 killer of women

Kathy Lovett-McKeever named American Heart Association Go Red for Women’s Buffalo Woman of Impact winner

Guest Editorial by the American Heart Association

Kathy Lovett-McKeever has been named the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Buffalo 2024 Woman of Impact winner for her work to raise funds and spread awareness in the fight against heart disease and stroke in women, and improve health and well-being in the local community. In the U.S., cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 women.

Over the course of nine weeks, Lovett-McKeever, along with a team of family, friends and colleagues, competed for the Woman of Impact title by participating in various community awareness and fundraising activities. After raising critical funds and driving women’s health education initiatives, including a focus on Hands-Only CPR training, Lovett-McKeever was named this year’s winner.

The Woman of Impact campaign is part of the American Heart Association’s signature Go Red for Women’s 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.

"As Mrs. Buffalo, I've made it my mission to teach thousands of people Hands-only CPR this year,” Lovett-McKeever said. “Throughout this campaign, I was able to meet survivors of heart emergencies and share their stories. By raising awareness that nearly 90% of heart disease is preventable, we can save lives. I am honored to have received this recognition but, most importantly, I am so proud of what we as women in Buffalo have accomplished together over the last nine weeks to support the Go Red for Women movement and the future of women’s heart health.” 

The Woman of Impact campaign launched in over 100 cities on National Wear Red Day, Feb. 2. In Buffalo, three community leaders were nominated to participate. Collectively, this year’s Buffalo nominees raised more than $15,000 for the Buffalo American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement.

Other local nominees included:

√ 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

“We are so grateful to Kathy and all of our nominees for their work elevating the Go Red for Women message and raising critical funds in support of our local mission,” said Michelle Marks-Hook, development director in Buffalo. “While our work is far from finished, we’ve made considerable progress. Our city is stronger, and our future is brighter.”

Women naturally experience unique life stages that increase their risk of developing cardiovascular disease over the course of their lifetime. While the large majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease continues to be a woman’s greatest health threat, as nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of CVD. Women involved in Woman of Impact are paving the way for the future of women’s heart health and enabling more women to live longer and healthier lives.

To learn more about the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement in Buffalo, visit the Buffalo Woman of Impact website.

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. Connect on heart.org, Facebook, X, or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

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. 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).