NEW YORK, NY, July 7, 2026 — The American Heart Association today announced that applications are now open for the 2026-27 New York City Go Red for Women® Class of Survivors, a dynamic group of women who have been impacted by cardiovascular disease and have shown strength in overcoming its challenges. These survivors are turning their experiences into powerful catalysts for change, using their voices to educate, inspire, and drive lasting impact across New York City and beyond.
The Go Red for Women Class of Survivors honors women whose personal journeys bring visibility to the realities of cardiovascular disease—the leading cause of death among women.
“Everyone’s story has the power to save lives,” said Meg Gilmartin, region SVP, sr. executive director, development & community health. “The Class of Survivors represents strength, resilience, and hope, and we are proud to amplify their voices to help ensure all women understand their risk and have the tools to live longer, healthier lives.”
Members of the Class will serve as ambassadors for the Go Red for Women movement, sharing their stories to educate, advocate, and empower women to take charge of their heart health across New York City. More than anything, this experience offers the opportunity to become part of a meaningful and uplifting community—one rooted in strength, resilience, and a shared bond of survivorship.
“It has been so impactful to see every member of the New York City Go Red for Women Class of Survivors share their stories and highlight the reality of heart disease and stroke in women,” said Cristina Civetta, a member of the 2025 New York City Go Red for Women Class of Survivors and founder, sponsor of the initiative, along with her husband, Ed Scheetz. “Heart disease is not one size fits all, and this group of women shows that the faces of survivorship look vastly different than we often anticipate.”
Applications are open to women in the New York City area who have experienced heart disease or stroke and are passionate about making a difference. Survivors of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences are encouraged to apply.
The application will close on September 9, 2026. The Association will be in touch with applicants by the end of September. To learn more about the Go Red for Women movement or to apply for the New York City Class of Survivors, visit www.easternstates.heart.org/nycgrfwclassofsurvivors.
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and the New York City Go Red for Women movement is locally sponsored by JPMorganChase and Northwell Health. We are grateful for the continued support of our New York City Go Red for Women Class of Survivors founders, Cristina Civetta and Ed Scheetz.
# # #
For media inquiries:
Mark Hurley; mark.hurley@heart.org; 917-445-0207
Ella Beames; ella.beames@heart.org; 212-878-5932