Stroke Survivor Leads Women Empowerment

News Release

Stroke Survivor Leads Women Empowerment as Go Red for Women® Luncheon Chair

The American Heart Association celebrates 10 years of women’s heart and brain health in North Jersey

Saddle Brook, NJ, January 16, 2018 —Cardiovascular diseases continue to be a woman’s greatest health threat, claiming the lives of one in three women each year, while 55,000 more females than males are affected by stroke each year. On April 11, 2019, the Northern New Jersey Go Red for Women Luncheon will celebrate 10 years of creating awareness by sharing stories of survival, providing health tools and resources, and proudly wearing red to fight against heart disease and stroke in women.

Stacy Quinn, Deputy Director at Bayer and longtime volunteer of The American Heart Association, will chair the event and lead a day filled with education, celebration and empowering women to take charge of their health.

“To treat, beat and prevent cardiovascular diseases, women should understand family health history, know their numbers and make lifestyle changes like exercising, eating smart and managing their blood pressure. Risk factors that are within women’s control include smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, poor diet, obesity/overweight and diabetes,”, says Stacy Quinn.

Being a stroke survivor herself, Stacy is no stranger to understanding the risk factors associated with heart disease and stroke, but she also knows how important it is to take care of your overall health.

“You have to be the CEO of your own health. This means knowing your numbers, putting your own health first, and if something doesn’t feel right getting the proper medical attention because you know your body best,” explains Quinn. "In my case, I ignored stroke symptoms for 10 days because I thought stroke mainly affected older men—not young, healthy women. This thinking almost killed me. What many people don’t know is that one in five women will have a stroke in her lifetime.”

As chairperson, Stacy will raise awareness of cardiovascular disease, which continues to be a woman’s greatest health threat, and educate people about how to prevent it through healthy lifestyle choices. She will stand alongside her survivor sisters, all who have all survived cardiovascular disease and/or stroke, as they continue reminding us all why it is so important to “know your numbers" and know the warning signs of heart attack and stroke.

The 10th annual Northern New Jersey Go Red for Women luncheon will be held on Thursday, April 11, 2019 at The Wilshire Grand Hotel. For more information or to attend the luncheon, visit nnjgored.heart.org. Together, we can save the lives of the women we love!

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About Go Red for Women

The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® movement is the trusted, passionate, relevant force for change to end heart disease and stroke in women all over the world. While nearly 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 women. For 15 years, Go Red for Women has provided a platform for women to come together, raise awareness, fund life-saving research, advocate for change and improve the lives of all women everywhere. The American Heart Association's Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, with additional support from national cause supporters. Connect with us on GoRedforWomen.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-888-MY-HEART (1- 888-694-3278).

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a leading force for a world of longer, healthier lives. With nearly a century of lifesaving work, the Dallas-based association is dedicated to ensuring equitable health for all. We are a trustworthy source empowering people to improve their heart health, brain health and well-being. We collaborate with numerous organizations and millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, advocate for stronger public health policies, and share lifesaving resources and information. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

– ©2018 American Heart Association, Inc., a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit. All rights reserved. Go Red for Women is a registered trademark of AHA. The Red Dress Design is a trademark of U.S. DHHS. Unauthorized use prohibited.