Health

‘Red Means Go’ for Gulf Coast women’s heart health

By American Heart Association | May 26, 2026

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the No. 1 killer in women, yet women remain underdiagnosed and undertreated.¹Women also experience unique life stages, like pregnancy and menopause, that increase their risk of heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement is committed to ensuring women are no longer disproportionately affected by CVD. The annual Go Red for Women Luncheon and Dinner in the Gulf Coast invited the community to learn about women’s heart health and help fund critical, lifesaving research to address the unique risk factors and needs of women.

Hello Woodlands Haley Garcia Group January 2026

On Friday, April 24, 600 guests dressed in red attended the 2026 Montgomery and North Harris ‘Go Red for Women’ Luncheon united against women’s greatest health threat. On Friday, May 8, another 330 guests attended the Bay Area ‘Go Red for Women’ Dinner. Both events honored survivors, celebrated advancements in heart health and raised over $500,000 to continue to better identify, diagnose, treat and prevent CVD in women.

The initiative unites women across the globe to understand their risk and fight back against their No. 1 killer. Go Red for Women is where community and connection meet action. Typically, red means stop, danger, proceed with caution, but your heart health can’t wait. All women need to take steps to safeguard their health and well-being. When it comes to Go Red for Women, Red Means Go!

The Montgomery and North Harris Go Red for Women Luncheon was held at the Woodlands Waterway Marriott and emceed by award-winning journalist Brianna Dahlquist and chaired by local favorite, Mari Harvey. The featured survivor was Marualina Cruickshank, a mother from Humble who suffered a stroke and through inpatient rehabilitation with Encompass Health began her journey of recovery. The highlight of the luncheon was the annual Physician Fashion Show with models showcasing summer fashions provided by Dillards The Woodlands.

Montgomery County Go Red For Women 2026, Photo by Rod Prado — *Mari Harvey, Chair of Montgomery County Go Red For Women, and Lisa Fenley, American Heart Association; Photo by Rod Prado*

This year the Bay Area, hosted its first Go Red for Women Dinner at the South Shore Harbour Resort and Conference Center, empowering guests to learn about women’s heart health and support lifesaving research, education, and advocacy. The event was emceed by Miss Space Texas and American Heart Association advocate Chloe Burke, and co-chaired by UTMB Cardiologist, Esosa Odigie-Okon, MD, MSc, FACC and Owner of Robinette & Company Caterers, Amy Doherty. Survivor Marualina Cruickshank was also recognized in the Bay Area.

“Cardiovascular disease is still the No. 1 cause of death in women, and events like these are essential to raising awareness and providing education so women understand their risks — and how to reduce them,” said Lisa Fenley, Executive Director, American Heart Association- Gulf Coast. “Here in the Gulf Coast area, we are committed to continuing to save women’s lives. Through this work we can ensure every woman is supported and no one faces this journey alone.”

Montgomery County Go Red For Women in The Woodlands 2026 — *Montgomery County & North Harris County Go Red For Women in The Woodlands 2026; Photo by Rod Prado*

Nearly half of women aged 20 and older are living with some form of cardiovascular disease.[1] Women also experience unique life stages, like pregnancy and menopause, that can affect their risk.[2] Yet, women continue to be underrepresented in cardiovascular research. They are also less likely to receive CPR from a bystander.[3]

Go Red for Women is meeting the health and wellness needs of women now, and at every age, every stage, and every season of their lives as their trusted, relevant source for credible health solutions. Go Red for Women is also focused on supporting women-centric research and committed to closing gaps in care and support.

Women are not waiting. Women are not slowing down. Through Go Red for Women, women are taking action to live longer and healthier. Red Means Go.

Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health. For more information, visit www.Heart.org/BayAreaTXGoRed or www.Heart.org/MoCoGoRed.