Battling women's greatest health risk, Go Red for Women dinner is Thursday
A 24-year-old heart disease survivor will be the keynote speaker at Thursday, April 18's Story County Go Red for Women dinner.
Local residents are wearing red and uniting to raise awareness for a disease that kills one in three women.
The annual fundraiser highlights the need for more research and education of the nation's No. 1 killer of women.
“Every day in my practice, I see women who are at high risk for heart disease and stroke,” Amie Rockow-Nelson, Story County Go Red for Women co-chairperson and dentist for Ames Center for Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, said in a news release. “In my role as chair of Go Red for Women, I hope to raise awareness and save women in my community.”
Thursday's dinner will be held at the Gateway Hotel and Conference Center in Ames. It features a silent auction and a fashion show organized by Iowa State University students.
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Speakers include survivor Payton Shaw, BCLUW teacher
KCCI journalist Alyssa Gomez will serve as Thursday's emcee.
Guests will also be treated to a keynote address by Dr. Patricia Quinlisk, M.D., and a personal story told by heart disease survivor Payton Shaw.
Quinlisk is epidemiologist emeritus for the State of Iowa and current medical director for the Keys to Dementia Prevention program. She served as the state’s medical director and epidemiologist for 24 years. Quinlisk will discuss how dementia affects women and how brain health and heart health are connected.
Shaw is a middle school art teacher in the BCLUW school district and is this year’s featured survivor. She survived a pulmonary embolism in March 2023, which is a blood clot that travels to the lungs.
The embolism caused the 24-year-old's heart to stop twice, requiring 30 minutes of CPR. Shaw has enjoyed a remarkable recovery since despite being given a survival rate of 50 percent.
More: Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames receives nursing’s highest honor for second time
American Heart Association turns 100 years old
The Go Red for Women movement is a signature campaign for the American Heart Association, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
“Go Red for Women isn’t just about wearing red. It’s about raising awareness around heart health so we can empower women — and all individuals — to live healthier lives,” Lisa Severseike, Story County Go Red for Women co-chairperson and branch manager for Global State Mortgage in Ames, said in a news release. “Together, we can create a community of women who are heart-smart and ready to take action.”
Tickets for the dinner can be purchased at www.heart.org/StoryCoGoRed. Onsite registration begins at 5 p.m. Thursday at the Gateway Hotel & Conference Center. The program begins at 6:15 p.m.
Ronna Faaborg covers business and the arts for the Ames Tribune. Reach her at rlawless@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Story County unites to help eliminate heart disease, stroke in women
