I’m truly honored to be nominated for Go Red for Women’s Woman of Impact campaign in support of the American Heart Association. As part of this year’s nationwide class of changemakers, my goal is to bring together a team committed to making the greatest impact possible on women’s heart health. With the support of this team, we will raise much-needed funds for the American Heart Association while working to improve the health and well-being of women in our community. I’m deeply grateful for the encouragement and support already shown—and I truly hope I can count on you as this journey continues.
Since 2004, Go Red for Women has been addressing the awareness and clinical care gaps of the leading cause of death in women—cardiovascular disease. But there is still so much work to be done. The movement is committed to funding women-centric research, empowering women to live healthier lives, and supporting women in reducing their risk of heart disease through all ages, stages, and seasons of life.
Heart disease has shaped the lives of the women in my family for as long as I can remember.
It began with my maternal grandmother. Long before I fully understood what heart disease meant, she was already living with it. Over the course of her life, she survived multiple heart attacks—some minor, others life-threatening. Two required open-heart surgery and the placement of stents. Despite those challenges, she lived to be 89 years old, remaining deeply aware of her heart health.
Not long after my grandmother passed away, my mother experienced a massive heart attack—what’s commonly referred to as a “widowmaker.” This type of heart attack occurs when the heart’s main artery is completely blocked and can become fatal within minutes if not treated immediately. Thankfully, my mother received prompt, exceptional care. She underwent surgery to place a stent, and while she has experienced minor heart-related issues since, she is now preparing to celebrate her 88th birthday and is in excellent health.
Watching both of them navigate heart disease made it clear to me that this wasn’t just something happening around me—it was something I needed to take seriously for myself.
For many years in my adult life, I lived with my own heart condition: supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), a heart rhythm disorder that causes sudden episodes of dangerously fast heart rates. The symptoms can be unpredictable, easily dismissed, and difficult to diagnose. I experienced long periods of normal heart health interrupted by intense episodes that appeared without warning.
While living in Australia, I was rushed to the hospital during a severe SVT episode. After stabilizing my heart rate, doctors recommended a catheter ablation procedure to correct the abnormal electrical pathways causing the condition. I underwent the procedure in 2011, and thankfully, it resolved the issue. That experience was a turning point—it reinforced just how critical awareness, self-advocacy, and access to quality care truly are.
Three generations. Three very different heart stories. One common thread.
Heart disease doesn’t always look the same. It doesn’t always announce itself clearly. And too often, women are left navigating symptoms, diagnoses, and treatment without enough information or enough urgency.
That’s why this work matters so deeply to me. And it’s why I’m committed to standing alongside other women to help change the story around women’s heart health. I want to be part of promoting healthier lifestyles, amplifying awareness, and raising critical funds—because together, we are stronger against cardiovascular disease.
Won’t you join my team?
By joining, you can help raise awareness and vital funds for women’s heart health. Simply scroll to the Team Roster and click “Join this Nominee.”
The time is now. Beginning February 6 at 9:00 AM, you can also support my campaign with a tax-deductible donation by clicking the Donate button. The competition concludes at 9:00 AM on April 9.
Together, we have an unmatched ability to drive real and lasting change.
With a thankful heart,
Deanna