Hello! I’m Gina Panza, and I’m dedicated to raising awareness about women's heart health through the American Heart Association. This mission is deeply personal to me, as my daughter experienced a life-threatening heart condition known as Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD).
My Why: When my daughter suffered from SCAD, our lives were forever changed. SCAD is a rare condition that disproportionately affects women—often those who are young and healthy. This experience opened my eyes to the critical importance of heart health awareness among women. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, responsible for about 1 in every 5 female deaths. Yet, many women are unaware of their risk, and symptoms can often be overlooked or misdiagnosed.
Why Women’s Heart Health Matters: Heart disease doesn’t discriminate, but its effects on women are unique. The women we cherish—our mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, and best friends—are all at risk. Symptoms can be subtle, warning signs are often overlooked, and conditions like SCAD remain under-researched. That’s why raising awareness about women’s heart health is so important.
Your support matters. Every donation helps close the gap in research, provides lifesaving resources to women and families, and spreads awareness about the unique risks women face when it comes to heart disease.
Join Me: This campaign is more than just about my daughter—it’s about all women. It’s about ensuring every woman has the knowledge, resources, and medical care she needs to protect her heart health. By supporting the American Heart Association, you’re funding research that can save lives, helping women get diagnosed sooner, and ensuring no family has to face this battle alone. Let's work to protect the hearts of the women who mean so much to us all.
Thank you for considering supporting this important cause. Together, we can fight for a future where every woman’s heart is protected and cared for.
Your contribution can help ensure that the women we love lead longer, healthier lives. Join me in making a difference today—because every heart matters.