For more than two decades, the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign has raised awareness about women’s greatest health threat – cardiovascular disease. The 18th annual Maine Go Red for Women Luncheon will take place on March 27th in Portland.
The main speaking program, emceed by Channel 8 WMTW Anchor Meghan Torjussen, will feature inspiring survivor stories, heart-health and stroke education, and the presentation of two Crystal Heart awards.
The Association announced that the 2025 Crystal Heart awards will be presented to Amanda Rand, President and CEO, Spinnaker Trust and Charlie Therrien, President, Northern Light Mercy Hospital. This award recognizes those individuals who strive to make Maine a better place to live, work, and thrive through their commitment to the well-being of Maine citizens.
Ella DePietro, a Portland heart disease survivor will share her experience as the event’s survivor storyteller. “By sharing my journey, I hope to be a comfort to others dealing with heart disease, and to also raise awareness of the many types of heart disease that can even affect young, healthy women like me,” said DiPietro.
The morning will begin with several activities designed to engage attendees in learning about heart disease in stroke and facilitate survivors connecting with one another. Some new activities this year will include a: Life’s Essential 8 challenge, cooking demonstration, survivor gallery, tribute tree and survivor lounge. A panel discussion, moderated by 101.9 POR morning host Courtney Ross, will feature MaineHealth cardiologist Jessica A Kvasic, MD, and Hannaford dietitian Kara Kilmartin, RDN, LD, CDCES who will present important health information and answer attendees’ questions.
Kelly Elkins, Chief Operating Officer with MaineHealth, is the community volunteer chair of the 2025 Go Red for Women Luncheon. In addition to educating and networking, this fundraising event has a goal to raise $635,000 to fight heart disease and stroke in women. Funds are raised through corporate sponsorships, as well as the event’s silent auction and Open Your Heart appeal.
While the majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 women. Since 2004, Go Red for Women has had a profound impact on women’s health, challenging them to know their risk for heart disease and to take action to reduce their personal risk by sharing tools they need to lead a heart-healthy life.
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and locally by: Community Health Options; Hannaford Supermarkets; Harvard Pilgram Health Care; KeyBank; MaineHealth; Northern Light Mercy Hospital; Spectrum Healthcare Partners; The Standard; and WEX. The luncheon’s local media sponsors are Channel 8 WMTW, Mainebiz and 101.9 POR.
Returning for a second year is the Woman of Impact initiative. Women are nominated by their peers to participate in a 9-week initiative that runs through April 10th. Each nominee will use their influence to educate women on their risks, raise critical dollars to help fund lifesaving research and advocate for the health and well-being of all women. This year’s nominees are: Ashley Deeb, Mainely Tubs; Alina Dubois, KeyBank; and Michelle Waterhouse, Spectrum Orthopaedics. The nominee who makes the largest impact will be named the local Woman of Impact Award Winner.
To register and for more information, visit: Heart.org/MaineGoRed or email Lindsay.Colle@Heart.org.