PITTSBURGH – Nick Siliano was so inspired by his mom’s heart journey that last year, he dedicated his high school senior graduation project to learning more about the American Heart Association. Little did Nick’s mom, Tricia, know that her story would touch so many others and earn her an award from the Association, two years after having a Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection, known as SCAD.
Tricia Siliano, from Cranberry Township, has been named the 2023 Greater Pittsburgh Woman of Impact Award Winner. The recognition by the American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, is awarded annually to the Woman of Impact nominee who earns the most points during a 9-week fundraising and heart health education drive.
Woman of Impact is part of the American Heart Association’s long-standing Go Red for Women® movement, for leading her team to raise funds and participate in mission-impact activities for the American Heart Association’s signature women’s initiative. Siliano, a second-grade teacher in the North Allegheny School district, earned the award for leading her team to raise funds and participate in mission-impact activities for the American Heart Association’s signature women’s initiative.
“Taking part in the Woman of Impact program was personal for me. Throughout this ordeal, I’ve had the support of my family, friends and the presence of God to help in my recovery. They all have been my rock and I have felt so much love,” said Siliano. “I’m honored by this recognition, but most of all I’m incredibly proud of the contributions we’ve made together in support of Go Red for Women’s mission to wipe out heart disease and stroke and improve the overall health and well-being of women in Pittsburgh and beyond.”
Each year, a group of local women are nominated by their peers to take part in the challenge starting on National Wear Red Day in February and culminating on April 6 to earn the local title.
Collectively, this year’s Greater Pittsburgh nominees and their Impact Teams made up of friends, family and personal connections coordinated mission-impact activities and raised $15,533 for the Greater Pittsburgh American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement.
“We are so grateful to Tricia and to all of our nominees for their work elevating the Go Red for Women message and raising critical funds in support of our local mission,” said Leeanna McKibben, chair for the Greater Pittsburgh Go Red for Women campaign. “While our work is far from finished, we’ve made considerable progress in women’s heart health awareness. With advocates like Tricia and our other Woman of Impact nominees leading the way, our city is stronger and our future is brighter.”
While a large majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease continues to be a woman’s greatest health threat, taking the life of 1 in 3 women. Research published by the American Heart Association shows that younger women, particularly Millennials and Gen Z may not be aware of their risk for heart disease and stroke[1].
Tricia will receive the 2023 Woman of Impact award at the Greater Pittsburgh Go Red for Women Experience on May 11, UPMC Club at Acrisure Stadium, 5:30 PM. For tickets and details visit PittsburghGoRed.heart.org.
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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 19 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).
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – the two leading causes of death in the world. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit heart.org or call any of our offices around the country. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
For Media Inquiries:
Contact: Karen Colbert, 412.475.4928, [email protected]
heart.org and stroke.org
[1] https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000907