Vermont Women to Reconnect in Person at 2022 Go Red for Women Evening Event

The American Heart Association’s 2022 Vermont Go Red for Women® Event will be held on April 6^th at the Hilton Burlington Lake Champlain. The Go Red for Women event is designed to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease in women, as well as generate funds for lifesaving heart disease and stroke research.

Rather than the traditional lunchtime event, this year’s gathering will take place in the evening, beginning at 5:00 PM with a cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by dinner and the event program at 6:00 PM. Hosted by Mary Cenci of Star 92.9 and Lauren Maloney of Local 22 and Local 44, the speaking program will feature an inspiring heart disease survivor story and presentation by a local stroke expert.

Kendra Kirkland of East Barre will share her harrowing heart journey with DSP Cardiomyopathy, which is a rare gene mutation that can cause cardiac arrest.  “Throughout my journey, I have learned that life will throw you unexpected highs and lows. How you handle those moments define and shape you as a person. I now look out for my future, advise others to be their own advocate in everything in life, but especially when it comes to health. I share  my story so I can help bring about more awareness to other women and their loved ones,” said Kirkland.

Daniela Zambrano, M.D., an assistant professor of neurological sciences at the University of Vermont’s Larner College of Medicine and a board-certified vascular neurologist and stroke specialist at UVM Medical Center, will provide the keynote presentation on unique risk factors for stroke that women face during different life stages, such as pregnancy and menopause.

Julie Braun, Corporate Retirement Director, Vice President, Financial Advisor with Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the Chair of the Go Red for Women campaign in Vermont. “It’s not just about wearing red. It’s not just about sharing heart-health facts. It’s about all women standing together with Go Red for Women — because 1 in 3 women die from cardiovascular diseases and losing even one woman is too many,” said Braun.

Braun and her Go Red for Women Executive Leadership Team have set a goal to raise $72,000 to support the Association’s lifesaving work.  The Executive Leadership Team includes the event’s Co-Chair, Sarah Larson, Owner and CFO, Otter Creek Awnings and the following members: Elisabeth “Lisa” Harris, Chief People Officer, Vermont Energy Investment Corp;  Kendra Kirkland, The Hartford; Deb Loughlin, Director Business Development and Marketing, Employee Benefits Practice, The Richards Group; Megan Peek, Director of Community Relations and Health Promotion, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont; Kathryn Towle, MS, CPA, Director Of Finance and Accounting, NG Advantage LLC; and Cynthia Turner, VP of HR, Vermont Federal Credit Union.

Go Red for Women launched in 2004 to empower women to reduce their risk for cardiovascular disease, which continues to be the leading killer and is on the rise in younger women. However, the majority of cardiac events may be prevented. To protect their health, women should understand family health history, know their numbers – the five key personal health numbers that help determine risk for heart disease: total cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and body mass index – and make lifestyle changes like moving more, eating smart and managing their blood pressure.

The Vermont Go Red for Women event is sponsored nationally by CVS Health and locally by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont, Cardiovascular Research institute of Vermont, Morgan Stanley, Otter Creek Awnings, OneDigital, PC Construction, People’s United Bank, UVM Larner College of Medicine, Vermont Federal Credit Union, and Vermont Gas. Media sponsors are Local 22 and Local 44 and Star 92.9.

For more information about the 2022 Vermont Go Red for Women Event please visit http://vtgored.heart.org or email [email protected].