Buffalo unites against women's No. 1 killer

American Heart Association’s annual Go Red for Women luncheon raises awareness and critical funds for women’s cardiovascular health

American Heart Association Press Release & Photo

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the No. 1 killer of women, yet women remain underdiagnosed and undertreated. Women also experience unique life stages, like pregnancy and menopause, that increase their risk of heart disease and stroke.

The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement is committed to ensuring women are no longer disproportionately affected by CVD. The annual Buffalo Go Red for Women luncheon invited the community to learn about women’s heart health and help fund critical, lifesaving research to address the unique risk factors and needs of women.

On Tuesday, Feb. 25, over 200 guests dressed in red attended the 2025 Buffalo Go Red for Women luncheon united against women’s greatest health threat. The luncheon honored survivors, celebrated advancements in heart health, and raised over $75,000 to continue to better identify, diagnose, treat and prevent CVD in women.

“The Go Red for Women luncheon serves as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women in our community,” said Linda Walleshauser, Go Red for Women co-chairwoman and senior HR adviser at EBC HR & Payroll Solutions Inc. “We are raising funds to give voices to women everywhere and increase awareness about their greatest health threat: cardiovascular disease. Knowledge is powerful, and prevention, awareness and support are critical as we all strive to live long and healthy lives.”

“Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in women,” said Casey DeMarco, Go Red for Women co-chairwoman and executive director and treasury management consultant at Wells Fargo. “Knowing firsthand how heart disease has affected the women in my family, I am passionate about supporting Go Red for Women to help prevent similar outcomes for other women. This campaign is a powerful reminder of the importance of prioritizing women’s heart health, educating ourselves about risks, and advocating for proactive care. Together, we can ensure every woman is supported and that no one has to go through it alone.”

Since 2004, the Go Red for Women movement has raised awareness and addressed clinical care gaps of CVD for women. As the movement celebrates more than 20 years of making an impact, the association – a global force for healthier lives for all for more than 100 years – calls on all women to take charge of their health and make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of their community.

“Through Go Red for Women, we’re funding research to advance innovative solutions specific to women’s unique health experiences and needs,“ said Megan Vargulick, executive director for the Buffalo American Heart Association. “Here in Buffalo, we are bringing women together for blood pressure checks, Hands-Only CPR demonstrations and an educational program featuring professionals and survivors, because Go Red for Women is there for women’s health and well-being at every age, stage and season of their lives.”

As women grow and change, so does their risk for cardiovascular disease. CVD is the leading cause of death in women, claiming more lives than all cancers combined. Nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of CVD. It’s also the leading cause of maternal death in the U.S., and pregnancy-related deaths are on the rise. Yet, according to an American Heart Association special report, younger generations of women, Gen Z and millennials are less likely to be aware of their greatest health threat, including knowing the warning signs of heart attacks and strokes. That’s why it’s important for all women to advocate for their heart health and encourage others to do the same.

Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health. The Buffalo Go Red for Women luncheon is locally sponsored by Lakeshore Savings Bank, Catholic Health, Marilyn F. Sanvidge Family Trust, Stark Tech, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Buffalo Sabres Foundation, Frey Electric, M&T Bank Charitable Foundation, Uniland, Wells Fargo, The Jacobs Institute, EBC HR & Payroll Solutions Inc., Hodgson Russ LLP, Lawley, Note Advisors, Uplifter Video, Ingram Micro and media sponsors Buffalo Healthy Living and WKBW. For more information, visit Heart.org/GoRedBuffalo. 

More 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 100 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, on 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.