The 2025 New York City Go Red for Women Class of Survivors represent a diverse sisterhood that share their powerful stories to raise awareness of heart disease and stroke and inspire other women to take action to improve their health and well-being.
The 2025 New York City Go Red for Women Class of Survivors is sponsored by Cristina Civetta and Ed Scheetz.
Sharon Bond
Meet Sharon Bond, a member of New York City Go Red for Women Class of Survivors. Sharon is a heart attack and open-heart surgery survivor. She wants to spread awareness for everyone on the warning signs and risk factors of a heart attack so they can prevent themselves through the same fate. She wants people to take care of themselves first, so they can then be prepared to take care of others.
To learn more about Sharon’s story, click here.
Bonni Brodnick
Meet Bonni Brodnick, a of member of the New York City Go Red for Women Class of Survivors. Bonni was driving down the highway at 65 mph when she had her stroke. Bonni feels it is her duty to bring awareness to women’s hearts and their heart health. Her book “My Stroke in the Fast Lane” doesn’t put emphasis on her stroke exactly but instead, her attitude towards it and how it changed her life. She feels it is her duty to women to bring awareness to their heart and heart health.
To learn more about Bonni’s story, click here.
Cristina Civetta
Meet Cristina Civetta, a member of New York City Go Red for Women Class of Survivors. Cristina is a survivor of congenital heart disease and uses her voice to raise awareness of women’s greatest health risk. Cristina has had 8 heart-related surgeries since she was 16 years old and is a survivor of open-heart surgery. Cherishing every day, Cristina prioritizes her health and wellness, living life to the fullest with family and friends. She wants women to push for themselves and work together to prevent heart disease from being the number one killer of women.
To learn more about Cristina’s story, click here.
Danielle Cundiff
Meet Danielle Cundiff, a member of New York City Go Red for Women Class of Survivors. Danielle is an Atrial Septal Defect, or ASD survivor. She was diagnosed with this congenital heart defect at a young age and underwent two surgeries by age two. She had to always be careful of her heart rate, but with grit and proper training Danielle triumphantly ran the New York City Marathon last year. She wants women to know that when you prioritize your health, you can achieve greatness.
To learn more about Danielle’s story, click here.
Carolina Hernandez
Meet Carolina Hernandez, a member of New York City Go Red for Women Class of Survivors. Carolina inherited heart disease from her mother. After seeing many family members suffer from cardiovascular disease, she became her own biggest advocate and fought for her health. Today, she’s able to enjoy life to the fullest with her husband and son. She wants women to be there for themselves, stand up for themselves, and if you’re feeling that something’s not right – seek help.
To learn more about Carolina’s story, click here.
Raquel Hutt
Meet Raquel Hutt, a member of New York City Go Red for Women Class of Survivors. Raquel suffered a heart attack at age 24 and had to advocate for herself after being brushed off by EMS. It’s important to remember that women experience unique heart attack symptoms including nausea, shortness of breath, and back pain. She wants women to fight for themselves and always listen to your body and trust your intuition.
To learn more about Raquel’s story, click here.
Jen Lentini
Meet Jen Lentini, a member of New York City Go Red for Women Class of Survivors. Jen’s journey with heart disease began when she was just 13 years old after she started experiencing severe stomach pains. Jen is a cardiac arrest survivor and recipient of a heart transplant. She believes the greatest gift is the gift of life, and it is important to listen to your own body, as you know it better than anyone else. Jen wants women to pay attention to their bodies and find a doctor that will listen to you.
To learn more about Jen’s story, click here.
Maddi Niebanck
Meet Maddi Niebanck, a member of New York City Go Red for Women Class of Survivors. Maddi had her first migraine at 7 years old, and another that lasted 24 days when she was 15. An MRI brain scan revealed Madi had an arteriovenous malformation, or AVM for short. Complications during some pre-operative procedures to remove the malformation in her brain ultimately caused a stroke which left her completely paralyzed on the left side. Obstacles are opportunities is Maddi’s mantra; she wants women to know that with a positive attitude there are always ways to overcome them.
To learn more about Maddi’s story, click here.
Nicole Salzano
Meet Nicole Salzano, a member of New York City Go Red for Women Class of Survivors. Nicole was the captain of her college swim team, and she suffered a stroke while taking a nap before the final session at her championship swim meet, a complication of oral contraception and a blood clotting disorder she was unaware of. Today, Nicole uses her voice to support stroke awareness and shares her journey towards recovery. She encourages women to be their own advocate.
To learn more about Nicole’s story, click here.
