Story & Photography by Woody Woodard

The American Heart Association hosted its annual Go Red for Women event at the Carl Perkins Civic Center on March 21 to to raise awareness of women’s risk of heart disease and build a healthier West Tennessee. Female heart disease survivors were recognized including Savannah Conley, a very young mother and wife whose female side of the family had severe heart disease. On the evening of the dinner, Savannah was present with her new heart and her young daughter to walk the survivor runway with joy and pride. Approximately $197,000 was raised for the Heart Association.

“Women still do not realize they are at risk. Therefore, we continue to Go Red! We must change the numbers, be bold and raise awareness,” said Rita McCaslin, Go Red for Women Event Chair of Leaders Credit Union.

The dinner encouraged local women to take charge of their heart health by making it a top priority so they can live stronger, longer lives. The event featured recipes from the American Heart Association’s “Simple Cooking with Heart” as well as a fashion show hosted by Macy’s.

“Again, this community came together and united tonight! I am so thankful for the West TN community. We truly are stronger together,” said Christy Futrell, Regional Director for AHA in West Tennessee.

In Tennessee, the American Heart Association has been a leader in this national campaign helping support an emotional, informative and inspirational atmosphere to encourage women to become champions of their own good health. One in three women die of cardiovascular disease – more than all forms of cancers combined. The 2019 West TN Go Red for Women is sponsored nationally by Macy’s and CVS, and it is sponsored locally by Cigna Healthcare, Leaders Credit Union and many others.

For information on next year’s Go Red for Women event, go to westtngored.heart.org.