2022 Go Red for Women® Luncheon: Maine women reconnect in person to support heart disease and stroke fundraiser

2022 Go Red for Women® Luncheon: Maine women reconnect in person to support heart disease and stroke fundraiser

Joan Smith, 2022 Go Red for Women Luncheon Chair

After nearly two years away from in-person events, today the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, announced the 2022 Maine Go Red for Women® Luncheon will return to our community. This signature event which will be held on March 23, 2022 at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland.

The Go Red for Women Luncheon, chaired by Joan Smith, Principal with Baker Newman Noyes, is designed to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death for women in the United States, as well as generate funds for lifesaving cardiovascular research for women. The Go Red for Women Luncheon has been happening in Portland for 15 years and this year’s goal is to raise $470,000 for the Go Red for Women movement. The event will feature inspiring survivor stories, heart-health and stroke education, and the presentation of two Crystal Heart Awards. This year’s honorees are David Landry, Chief Executive Officer of Spectrum Healthcare Partners, and Laurie LaChance, President of Thomas College.

“A friend asked me to join the Go Red for Women Luncheon committee three years ago and it was only then I learned that cardiovascular disease is the number health threat to women. I was shocked by the statistics. My goal for the 2022 Luncheon is to keep expanding the Go Red messaging especially to young women like my daughter who as even less likely to know about the risks of heart disease,” said Smith.

Smith will be assisted members of the Go Red for Women Executive Leadership Team which includes: Amanda Rand, Spinnaker Trust; Colleen McCracken, CLMC LLC Strategic Business Advisors; Catherine Desrochers, Acadia Benefits; Joan Fortin, Bernstein Shur; Lucie Hannigan, Northeast Bank; Eric Jermyn, Cross Employee Benefits; Janice Latulippe, BerryDunn; Jennifer McCarthy, Maine Medica Center; Jennifer Mirabile, Camden Wealth Management; Melanie Tinto, WEX; Kim Twitchell, NBT Bank; and April Ylvisaker, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management.

Since 2004, Go Red for Women has had a profound impact on women’s health. As the trusted, passionate, and relevant force to eradicate heart disease and stroke, through the Go Red for Women movement, the Association remains steadfast and committed to meeting the comprehensive health needs of women — at every life stage. Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and the Maine Luncheon is locally sponsored by MaineHealth, Hannaford Supermarkets, Spectrum Health Partners, Baker Newman Noyes, Camden National Bank, Cross Employment Benefits, Community Health Benefits. Media sponsors are Channel 8 WMTW, Mainebiz and 101.9 POR.

“It’s not just about wearing red. It’s not just about sharing heart-health facts. It’s about all women standing together with Go Red for Women — because 1 in 3 women die from cardiovascular diseases and losing even one woman is too many,” said Smith.

To register and for more information, contact Pauline Cormier at [email protected].