Hana Hooper
Why I'm Fundraising
I'm excited to be nominated for Go Red for Women's Woman of Impact campaign. As part of this year's class of changemakers, I've brought together a team that's working to make the greatest impact possible on women's health. We will be raising much-needed funds for the American Heart Association and working to improve the health of our communities. I hope we can count on your support!
In 2004, Go Red For Women was born as a campaign to raise awareness among women about their greatest health threat — heart disease. Slowly, the campaign grew into a movement bringing together thousands of women. Go Red for Women is the trusted, passionate force for change. It provides a platform for women and their families to lead healthier lives and transform communities. It's not just about wearing red. It's not just about sharing heart-health facts. It's about:
- Providing opportunities for women to take charge of their health
- Building communities that support access to healthy choices
- Demanding equal access to health care for all women and their families
- Increasing women in STEM in upcoming generations
Our team is focused on preventing heart disease and stroke. We're promoting healthy lifestyles, building awareness and raising critically-needed funds to support research and education initiatives. Cardiovascular diseases, which include heart disease and stroke, claim the life of a woman about every 80 seconds. We hope you will join us on our mission because about 80% of these diseases may be prevented.
The time is now. Women are leaning into the idea that when we take a stand, commit, and work together, real change is possible. To support my campaign, click on the Donate to Nominee button below.
Woman of Impact Puget Sound WA Spring 2024
Hana Hooper
Hi!
My name is Hana Hooper and I am a 26-year-old heart transplant recipient and stroke survivor. In 2016, I went away to college excited to meet new friends and follow my passion to become a veterinarian. During my first month at school, I had a stroke and was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy. I was transported home on a medical flight and within 2 months had been placed on the heart transplant list. During surgery to place an LVAD (left ventricular assist device) to help my heart keep functioning while waiting for a transplant, I experienced another stroke and spent 3 months in a semi-conscious state. I woke up to have to relearn how to walk, talk, and navigate the world as a new visually impaired person. My fight paid off and in 2018 I received the incredible gift of a new heart. Today, while I still go to therapy and work to overcome my deficits, I also live a full life taking classes, rock climbing, skiing, and throwing pottery. I believe strongly that life is meant to be lived and everyday should be treasured.
I am grateful to be alive today in part because of the American Heart Association and what they do. Throughout my journey, the AHA provided me and my family with valuable resources, important research, and offered us opportunities for community. In addition to my own journey, my older sister now has dilated cardiomyopathy as well. This has only fueled my desire to build awareness around heart disease in women, discuss heart healthy choices, and to encourage women to advocate for themselves along their journey. If we all join together, we can help to fund research, provide education and save women’s lives. Along with the AHA we can build a world where all women can embrace the journey and live life with Heart!