Michelle Fox and Tamra Laukien to chair the American Heart Association’s Boston 2026 Go Red for Women Luncheon
Nearly half of women ages 20 and older are living with some form of cardiovascular disease, the No. 1 killer of women.1 Because of their passion for improving women’s heart health in Greater Boston, Michelle Fox, corporate vice president and chief medical officer at Teleflex, and Tamra Laukien, CEO and founder of Vitality Road, will serve as the 2026 volunteer co-chairs of Go Red for Women in Greater Boston.
Launched more than two decades ago to increase women’s heart health awareness, Go Red for Women is the American Heart Association’s global movement designed to serve as a catalyst for change to improve the health of women. As the American Heart Association enters its second century of lifesaving work, Fox and Laukien will play a critical role in women’s health by leading the Boston Go Red for Women Luncheon, which will be held in the spring of 2026.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming more lives than all cancers combined, and continues to be women’s greatest health threat.2 According to the American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, as women grow and change so does their risk for cardiovascular disease. Unique life stages like pregnancy and menopause can affect that risk. The good news is the majority of cardiovascular disease incidents can be prevented through lifestyle changes and education. Through Go Red for Women, the Association calls on all women to take charge of their health and encourage other women to do the same. Because when it comes to their health, women have the best resource: they have each other.
“I was inspired to co-chair Go Red for Women this year because heart disease continues to impact so many women in our community, including those we love,” said Fox. “As women, we often put others first. Through Go Red for Women, the American Heart Association encourages us to prioritize our own heart health. I’m honored to lead this effort to raise awareness, provide education and inspire action to help women of all ages take control of their heart health and support each other in this vital mission.”
“I’m incredibly passionate about women’s health, especially when it comes to prevention, education, and access to care,” said Laukien. “Serving as co-chair of the Go Red for Women campaign is an opportunity to help amplify the American Heart Association’s lifesaving mission. We need to empower girls and women to recognize the symptoms of heart disease, understand their unique risks, and take action to protect their health. This year, I’m excited to help build a powerhouse leadership team and raise critical awareness and funding to support the American Heart Association’s work right here in Greater Boston.”
This year’s Go Red for Women campaign in Greater Boston will focus on mobilizing women to take charge of their heart health and support the well-being of their families and communities. Through community events, educational outreach, and fundraising efforts, the campaign will help provide women with the tools to understand and reduce their risk for heart disease and stroke. Funds raised will support local programs, lifesaving research, and educational initiatives aimed at closing health gaps and improving outcomes for all women.
“Michelle and Tamra are powerful advocates for women’s health and strong voices in the fight against cardiovascular disease,” said Allison McClain Joyce, chair of the American Heart Association’s Greater Boston Board of Directors and global communications and public relations director at Ropes & Gray. “Their leadership of the Go Red for Women campaign will help advance our mission to save lives and ensure every woman has the opportunity to live a longer, healthier life.”
Go Red for Women is a global movement with impact across the United States and in more than 50 countries around the world. This year’s Go Red for Women movement and its local achievements will be celebrated at the Go Red for Women Luncheon.
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and the Boston Go Red for Women Luncheon is locally sponsored by Teleflex and MassMEDIC. For more information contact American Heart Association Development Director Emma Kenney at emma.kenney@heart.org or visit www.heart.org/BostonGoRed.