Casey DeMarco & Linda Walleshauser to co-chair American Heart Association's Buffalo 24-25 Go Red for Women initiative

American Heart Association Press Release

Nearly half of women ages 20 and older are living with some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD), the No. 1 killer of women.

Because of their passion for improving women’s heart health in Buffalo, Casey DeMarco of Wells Fargo, and Linda Walleshauser of EBC HR & Payroll Solutions Inc., will serve as the 2024-25 volunteer co-chairs of Go Red for Women in Buffalo.

Launched more than two decades ago to increase women’s heart health awareness, Go Red for Women is the American Heart Association’s global movement designed to serve as a catalyst for change to improve women's health. As the American Heart Association enters its second century of lifesaving work, DeMarco and Walleshauser will play a critical role in women’s health by leading Buffalo’s Go Red for Women luncheon.

“Go Red for Women serves as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally,” Walleshauser said. “We are raising the voices of women to increase awareness about their greatest health threat – cardiovascular disease. This continuous journey is critical to help all women understand their risk so they can fight back against heart disease and stroke. It is so important to me that women are educated regarding their own risks, have proactive conversations with their doctors, and live healthy lives as moms, daughters, spouses and friends to many in our community.”

CVD is the leading cause of death in women, claiming more lives than all cancers combined, and continues to be women’s greatest health threat. According to the American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, as women grow and change so does their risk for CVD. Unique life stages like pregnancy and menopause can affect that risk. The good news is the majority of cardiovascular disease incidents can be prevented through lifestyle changes and education. Through Go Red for Women, the AHA calls on all women to take charge of their health and encourage other women to do the same. Because when it comes to their health, women have the best resource: They have each other.

“I was inspired to co-chair Go Red for Women this year because I want my daughter to grow up in a world where women are adequately represented in all areas of medical research,” DeMarco said. “After losing my mom unexpectedly to heart disease when she was only 62, I was drawn to the Go Red for Women campaign because it is a powerful reminder of the importance of prioritizing women’s heart health, educating ourselves about the risks and advocating for proactive care. While my involvement cannot bring my mom back, it is a way for me to honor her. I am passionate about supporting initiatives like Go Red for Women, and honored to lead this effort to raise awareness, provide education and inspire action to help women of all ages take control of their heart health and support each other in this vital mission.”

DeMarco, Walleshauser and the executive leadership team involved with the event are on a mission to raise $150,000 for Buffalo’s 2025 Go Red for Women campaign at the American Heart Association. This year’s campaign will focus on uniting women, inspiring them to prioritize their health and motivate other women to do the same.

“We are incredibly grateful for Casey DeMarco and Linda Walleshauser, and their unwavering passion and dedication to the Go Red for Women movement is remarkable,” said Megan Vargulick, executive director of the Buffalo and Rochester American Heart Association. “They lead by example through their commitment to raising awareness and advocating for women’s heart health, and because of this they have made a significant impact on our community.”

Go Red for Women is a global movement with an impact across the U.S. and in more than 50 countries around the world. This year’s Go Red for Women movement and its local achievements will be celebrated Feb. 25, 2025, at the Buffalo Go Red for Women luncheon.

Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health. The Buffalo Go Red for Women experience is locally sponsored by Lakeshore Savings Bank, The Jacobs Institute, EBC HR & Payroll Solutions Inc. and Lawley. Media sponsors include WKBW and Buffalo Healthy Living. If you would like to join the Go Red for Women movement, become a sponsor or buy tickets to the luncheon, contact Justin King at [email protected] or visit Heart.org/GoRedBuffalo.

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

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