The 2026 New York City Go Red for Women Class of Survivors builds on the legacy of the inaugural class and continues to represent a diverse sisterhood that share their powerful stories to raise awareness of heart disease and stroke. Using their platforms to amplify their voices, they are inspiring other women at every age and stage to take charge of their health.
The 2026 New York City Go Red for Women Class of Survivors is sponsored by founding member of the 2025 New York City Go Red for Women Class of Survivors, Cristina Civetta, her husband, Ed Scheetz, and Mastercard.
Samantha Bessudo Drucker
Meet Samantha Bessudo Drucker, a member of the NYC Go Red for Women Class of Survivors. Exercise saved Samantha’s life. A competitive Latin and ballroom dancer, Samantha lived a highly active lifestyle when she suffered a heart attack. On her 41st birthday, she had three stents placed. Exercise was the reason she lived for five days with two blocked arteries. Samantha wants women to fight for themselves.
To learn more about Samantha’s story, click here.
Sonali Bhavsar
Meet Sonali Bhavsar, a member of the NYC Go Red for Women Class of Survivors. After surviving four heart attacks and learning about her condition, SCAD (Sudden Coronary Artery Dissection), Sonali discovered the power of determination and perseverance. She now encourages women to live life to the fullest.
To learn more about Sonali’s story, click here.
Phaleya Burnside
Meet Phaleya Burnside, a member of the NYC Go Red for Women Class of Survivors. Her doctors found an Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) and she needed a repair. Shortly after her surgery, Phaleya was waking up with headaches. She knew something wasn’t right. She then suffered a stroke. Phaleya is reminding women to stand up for themselves.
To learn more about Phaleya’s story, click here.
Ann Cutbill Lenane
Meet Ann Cutbill Lenane, a member of the NYC Go Red for Women Class of Survivors. Ann was traveling alone in the Netherlands when she had her heart attack. Ann is empowering women to be their own advocates, to not be dismissed, and to fight for their heart health.
To learn more about Ann’s story, click here.
Jessica Falco
Meet Jessica Falco, a member of the NYC Go Red for Women Class of Survivors. Jessica was born with a rare genetic condition called Marfan Syndrome. For all of her life she also had an aortic aneurysm which has been surgically removed. Since her operation, she’s feeling great and believes a positive outlook can make a powerful difference in life.
To learn more about Jessica’s story, click here.
Megan Fath
Meet Megan Fath, a member of the NYC Go Red for Women Class of Survivors. Megan is a colleague, mother, and recent stroke survivor. After her second stroke, she lost the ability to speak and move the right side of her body. She is 20 months out from her stroke, and is speaking, walking, and is a mother to her five-year-old son. Megan recognizes the importance of community and the role it plays in her recovery.
To learn more about Megan’s story, click here.
Irene Gofaone Rowland
Meet Irene Gofaone Rowland, a member of the NYC Go Red for Women Class of Survivors. Irene is living with stage D heart failure and carries an LVAD with her. She isn’t healed yet but is feeling better. Irene wishes women would get diagnosed earlier to remain proactive about their heart health.
To learn more about Irene’s story, click here.
Kiani Morisi
Meet Kiani Morisi, a member of the NYC Go Red for Women Class of Survivors. Kiani was born with Tetralogy of Fallot and had full correction surgery at six months old. While she doesn’t remember the start of her journey, she’s seen how it affected the people she loves. Today, Kiani encourages women to stay active and make healthy choices to live longer, healthier lives.
To learn more about Kiani’s story, click here.
Artrisa Morris
Meet Artrisa Morris, a member of the NYC Go Red for Women Class of Survivors. After training for a run, Artrisa discovered she had coronary artery disease and needed open heart surgery. Despite the challenges along the way, Artrisa reminds us of the importance of being present and taking care of ourselves.
To learn more about Artrisa’s story, click here.
Mariuxi Penafiel
Meet Mariuxi Penfiel, a member of the NYC Go Red for Women Class of Survivors. Mariuxi and her friend were walking to her car after class when she suddenly couldn’t speak or feel the right side of her body. At just 24, Mariuxi was suffering from a stroke. She couldn’t speak or take care of herself. After undergoing therapy, Mariuxi has finished grad school, become a social worker and wants other women to never give up.
To learn more about Mariuxi’s story, click here.
Annie Reardon
Meet Annie Reardon, a member of the NYC Go Red for Women Class of Survivors. Annie had two strokes at age 24. Through her work with the American Heart Association’s Wall Street Run & Walk and CycleNation, she learned that strokes can affect young people too. Today, she shares her story to encourage young women to prioritize their brain health.
To learn more about Annie’s story, click here.
Tania Saiz
Meet Tania Saiz, a member of the NYC Go Red for Women Class of Survivors. Tania was visiting her daughter in Colorado when she saw a flash of light in her right eye. Little did she know she was suffering from a stroke. Doctors tried to remove the clot but that didn’t work. They subsequently found a hole in her heart which has been repaired. Tania wants women to listen to their bodies. If something feels off, get it checked out.
To learn more about Tania’s story, click here.
Erica Shaw
Meet Erica Shaw, a member of the NYC Go Red for Women Class of Survivors. Erica was working on Wall Street when she had her first stroke. She lost the ability to speak, write, and read, learning everything all over again. After rehab, she suffered another stroke. Through the challenges she has overcome in her recovery, Erica has learned the importance of taking care of yourself and is reminding women to listen to their bodies.
To learn more about Erica’s story, click here.
Whitney Sica
Meet Whitney Sica, a member of the NYC Go Red for Women Class of Survivors. In the middle of a paddle tournament, Whitney froze. She discovered she was having a stroke. Her doctors also found a heart tumor. Her advice to other women is to have your heart checked, because heart disease can strike anyone at any time.
To learn more about Whitney’s story, click here.
Irina Wierzbowski
Meet Irina Wierzbowski, a member of the NYC Go Red for Women Class of Survivors. After experiencing palpitations and chest pains, Irina went to the hospital and advocated for herself and was given a pacemaker. Shortly after, she suffered a stroke she initially mistook for a migraine. Today, Irina encourages women to listen to their bodies and seek a second opinion if they’re not getting the care they need.
To learn more about Irina’s story, click here.