The American Heart Association in Maine will hold its 4th annual Go Red “Purse-onality” event on Thursday, November 12. This year’s digital experience will feature a silent auction of more than 25 purse packages donated by local supporters. Each purse is hand-selected and filled with items and mementos that reflect the donors’ “purse-onality” such as work, hobbies or family interests.
Channel 8 WMTW Anchor Kathleen Jordan will emcee the event live on Zoom which will 
celebrate the Go Red for Women movement and help increase research of heart disease and stroke in women. Cardiovascular diseases, which includes stroke, claim the life of a woman about every 80 seconds. As the leading killer of women — claiming the lives of one in three women — cardiovascular diseases takes more women’s lives than all cancers combined.
An educational component featuring a local cardiologist and heart attack survivor will provide attendees with a better understanding about women’s risk of heart disease and stroke and will inspire women to take charge of their own health. Women are at higher risk of stroke and some risk factors include pregnancy, menopause and hormone replacement therapy.
Dr. Brandei Wingard, Cardiologist and Medical Director at Northern Light Mercy Hospital Device Clinic, will present a short session on women’s heart health and will be on hand to answer questions from attendees.
Tracy Grieves of Freeport will share her story to help educate women about common warning signs and why they shouldn’t be ignored. “At 47, I had a heart attack,” said Grieves. “Women lead busy, stressful lives and often dismiss symptoms like the burning sensation in my chest while running that occurred for several weeks. Even though my mother battled heart disease most of her life, I was in denial. If heart disease runs in your family, get your cholesterol and blood pressure checked and take charge of your health.”
This Go Red for Women event benefits the American Heart Association in Maine. The suggested donation of $25 will reserve space for you and a guest to attend this event. Visit: MaineGoRedLuncheon.Heart.org and click the Purse-Onality Event tab at the top. For more information, please email [email protected].
Go Red For Women is sponsored nationally by CVS Health and locally by statewide sponsor Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. The Purse-onality event is sponsored by MaineHealth/Maine Medical Center, Kennebunk Savings Bank and Channel 8 WMTW.