Message From Chairperson Sandy Maguire
We have all heard: "bless her heart", "heart and soul", "the cockles of my heart", "a loving heart" and "a merry heart", but women should be "listening" to their body and especially their heart. One woman dies almost every minute from heart disease. Yet studies show that only 21% of women view heart disease as their greatest health threat. That's why the American Heart Association's Go Red For Women program is so important.
It is my privilege and pleasure to serve as the chairperson for the American Heart Association Go Red For Women Luncheon to be held in El Dorado, November 12, 2010. This will be a fun and informative day. For every heart, there is a story -- and these stories are at the heart of Go Red. They often go untold because women are not aware of their risk factors and do not understand the choices they can make to prevent heart disease. Our survivor, Laurie Cary Russell, has a story that will amaze and inspire and Dr. Donald J. Voelker will bring his special personality to better educate us. It wouldn't be a special event without fabulous silent and live auction items and some very unique door prizes.
This event celebrates the energy, passion and power women have when they band together to wipe out heart disease and stroke. The goal of the event is to encourage awareness of heart issues in women and heart disease and also actions to save more lives. The funds raised from this event support awareness, research, education and community programs to benefit women.
In Arkansas, research projects at the University of Arkansas and University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences are currently being funded by the American Heart Association. This includes:
- Six active research awards
- $737,700 in total funding
- $329,692 in new funded projects in 2009
- Three new awards in 2009
- Since 1951, the AHA has funded $22.2 million in research in Arkansas
Please join us November 12, 2010 for this special day. Let's make the El Dorado event the best in Arkansas and most importantly... be informed, be aware, be alive... be there!
