Local women raise more than $13,000 to advance heart health awareness and scientific research support through the American Heart Association’s® annual award program
An Altoona-based real estate agent has earned recognition by the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, for her dedication and contributions in the fight against the No. 1 killer of women in Blair County.
Kerry Gority, real estate agent with John Hill Real Estate in Altoona, has been named the 2022 Blair Go Red for Women® Woman of Impact Award winner. This award is given to Gority for achieving the highest number of points for her community impact activities and leading her team to raise over $5,200 in support of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement.
Each year, a group of local women are nominated by their peers to embark on a 9-week journey starting in February competing for the local award through a collective series of fundraising and community impact activities. Collectively, this year’s Blair Woman of Impact nominees and their teams took action to educate and improve the health of their communities and raised more than $13,000 for the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement. The six nominees included:
- Kerry Gority, real estate agent, John Hill Real Estate – 2022 Woman of Impact winner
- Chelsi Tedeschi, owner, Blair School of Martial Arts – 2022 Woman of Impact runner-up
- Kelly Campagna, RN, business development director, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Altoona
- Taci Geller, community liaison, Grane Hospice
- Angela Guyer, BSN, RN, stroke program unit director and stroke coordinator, UPMC Altoona
- Amy Kowalski, MSN, RN, CSN, DNP-S, instructor in nursing, Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, Penn State Altoona
“We are so grateful to Kerry and to all of our nominees for their work elevating the Go Red for Women message and raising critical funds in support of our mission,” said Tommi Burchfield, strategic partnership manager at Personal Care Medical Associates, and chair of the 2022 Blair Go Red for Women campaign. “We’ve made considerable progress in women’s heart health awareness, but our work is far from finished. Research published by Go Red for Women shows that younger women in particularly may still not be aware of their risk for heart disease and stroke.”
Woman of Impact nominees will be recognized for their efforts during the 2022 Blair Go Red for Women event and fashion show on Thursday, May 26 at the Blair County Convention Center. Those interested in getting involved can visit blairgored.heart.org.
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 18 years, 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).
