The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® Class of Survivors are national volunteers who serve as active champions for heart and brain health for all women, everywhere
HAMPTON ROADS, Va., Feb. 1, 2026 – Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the No. 1 killer of women, yet only 44% of women are aware that CVD is their greatest health threat. To help fight this statistic and spread lifesaving awareness, twelve women from across the nation have been selected as part of the American Heart Association’s 2026 Go Red for Women Class of Survivors.
Twelve women from across the country have been selected to represent the American Heart Association’s nationwide Go Red for Women movement in 2026. 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. Read and be inspired by the stories of the 2026 class of Go Red for Women survivors at goredforwomen.org/survivors.
This year’s class includes Katie Moegenberg of Suffolk, Virginia who suffered from congestive heart failure and at just 37-years-old needed emergency open heart surgery. With a background in nursing, she knew the warning signs but remained in denial during the appointment with her cardiologist while taking the stress test.
“I knew heart disease ran in my family,” Moegenberg explained. “But I thought I had it under control. My heart journey has given me purpose, now I use my story to remind women to know their numbers, trust their instincts and never ignore what their bodies are trying to tell them.”
First launched in 2008 as the Go Red for Women Real Women class of survivors, these national ambassadors serve a one-year volunteer term. By speaking out publicly and sharing their inspirational stories through social media and with nationwide news media, as well as within their own communities, these women help motivate others to learn and understand the signs and symptoms of heart disease and stroke.
Find educational resources to support women’s heart health at every age, through every stage of life at GoRedforWomen.org and learn more about National Wear Red Day at WearRedDay.org.
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About the 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.
About Go Red for Women®
The American Heart Association’s signature initiative, Go Red for Women®, is a comprehensive platform designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. 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. For more than two decades, Go Red for Women has encouraged awareness. The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power of women to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them tools they need to lead a heart healthy life. The Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, with additional support from national cause supporters. For more information, please visit GoRedforWomen.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721).
Jaylyn Brown: 443-866-7733; jaylyn.brown@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org