Nearly 650 people celebrated the fight against heart disease in women in a new way on Thursday. The Syracuse Go Red for Women Luncheon marked its 15th anniversary with a live talk show format that put attendees in the audience at “Go Red LIVE.”
The Go Red for Women Luncheon, held at the Oncenter Convention Center, is the culmination of the year-round Go Red movement. The event, along with year-round activities, raised a record total of more than $400,000. Those funds will be used to fight disability and death caused by cardiovascular diseases and stroke through research, training, advocacy and community education.
Heart disease is not just a man’s disease. It is the number one killer of women. One in three women dies of heart disease and stroke. That’s more than all forms of cancer combined. Go Red for Women aims to educate women about their health, so we can change these statistics.
The chairwoman of the 2018 Go Red for Women Luncheon, Evelyn C. Ingram, Director of Community Relations at Wegmans, has spent the last year helping to raise awareness and funds in the fight against women’s greatest health threat. “Go Red for Women is helping to save lives, but too many of us are still dying from heart disease,” said Ingram. “Together, we can fight our number one killer. I’m proud to be a part of such an incredible movement, and I’m proud of everyone in this community that is making an impact on our health.”
The program also included heart disease survivor Anne Proppe. Proppe has undergone two open heart surgeries to replace her valve twice. She says the difference between her first and second surgeries was drastic. Proppe says research and medical breakthroughs made her first surgery feel “antiquated” in just a difference of 10 years.
The afternoon’s keynote speaker was Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum. She gave the audience important information on the signs and symptoms of heart disease, as well as a reminder to advocate for yourself as a patient. Dr. Steinbaum talked about the impact the Go Red for Women movement has had on how heart disease is women is diagnosed and treated.
Before the luncheon program, the Festival of Red offered several opportunities for attendees. Women could get moving with the popular Silent Disco, get a flu shot, know their numbers with free health screenings, have fun with social media at the Selfie Station, and learn important heart health information.
Amy Robbins, of 93Q, and Lisa Spitz, of CNY Central, served as the emcees. They, and other speakers, shared lifesaving information about women’s health, and the impact the Go Red for Women movement is making.
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by Macy’s and CVS Health, and locally sponsored by Wegmans, St. Joseph’s Health, Kinney Drugs Foundation, Loretto; Stickley, Audi & Co.; Syracuse University; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Cardiovascular Group of Syracuse; C&S Companies; Digital Hyve; Visual Technologies and media sponsors 93Q; CNY Central; Eagle Newspapers; and Syracuse Woman Magazine.
Amazing. I was not able to make this event but I am sure next year will be phenomenal as well. I know Evelyn Carter Ingram is she is a real go getter. And I am sure more success is on the way with Go Red for heart disease.