WASHINGTON, D.C., February 1, 2026 – Cardiovascular disease remains the No. 1 killer of women and new moms, with more than 45% of adult women living with some form of heart disease. Women remain underrepresented in clinical research trials.
Twelve women from across the country have been selected to represent the American Heart Association’s nationwide Go Red for Women movement in 2026. Among them are Erin Adelekun, an advocate, mother and stroke survivor from Maryland and Priti Langer, a legal professional, mother and heart attack survivor from Northern Virginia.
Erin Adelekun was in her 30s when she suffered a catastrophic stroke just nine days after giving birth to her daughter, Adenike. While in the hospital after delivery, Adelekun complained of headaches, but was sent home. A week later, she experienced signature stroke symptoms: speech challenges and arm drooping. She was rushed to the hospital. Her husband was told she might not survive, but she did and relearned to walk and talk. She also launched her “Stroke Mama” platform via Instagram to build a community of support and learning.
“My recovery is ongoing, but I’ve turned my darkest moments into my purpose, raising awareness about stroke, especially to new moms,” said Adelekun.
After attending a concert with friends in the fall of 2023, Priti Langer awoke in the evening with crushing chest pain that spread to her arm and jaw. When she sought medical help for what she knew was a heart attack, she encountered skepticism and was repeatedly questioned. She stayed calm and advocated for herself. In fact, she was having a “widowmaker” heart attack.
]”My mission now is to fight to ensure that every woman is heard, respected and treated with dignity when it comes to her health,” said Langer.
This sisterhood of survivors will share their inspiring personal stories of heart disease and stroke to help women across the country understand and embrace heart health at every age and every stage of life. By lifting their voices, these women, and survivors everywhere, can make a lasting impact as they raise awareness about risks and resources, inspire meaningful change for individuals and communities, and work to eliminate women’s greatest health threat.
Learn more about the 2026 class of Go Red for Women survivors at goredforwomen.org/survivors.
About the Go Red for Women Class of Survivors
The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Class of Survivors are national volunteers selected to be a part of a sisterhood of survivors from all walks of life and serve as ambassadors for the Go Red for Women movement. Often the surprising faces of cardiovascular disease, the survivors share their powerful stories to raise awareness of heart disease and stroke in women and inspire others to take charge of their health and well-being.
About American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1
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For Media Inquiries:703-248-1717
Hannah Ross: hannah.ross@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org