American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women 2016 Saves Lives

The annual luncheon will be held Friday, May 13, 2016.

Jay Foley, COO of Cancer Treatment Centers of America and this year’s Go Red for Women Chair, believes the role AHA plays in awareness and education screenings are providing lifesaving lessons for our community.

Heart disease and stroke cause 1 in 3 deaths among women each year – more than all cancers combined. Fortunately, this can change, because 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented with education and lifestyle changes.
Value News readers can help. All it takes to impact a life is getting more informed about the risks of heart disease and stroke. Learn the red flags. Know your own personal family “heart health story.” And don’t be afraid to talk to your family, friends or physician if you become concerned about anything “out of the ordinary” health-wise for you.  
We are fortunate to have a strong chapter of the American Heart Association (AHA) here in Tulsa. The mission of the AHA is to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. That single purpose drives everything their team does. Growing out of that mission is a focus on heart-health education and wellness for females, known as the Go Red for Women campaign. Each spring, they coordinate a major fundraising event that supports community-wide health awareness programs and activities.  
“The need for AHA’s work and our support is beyond question,” said John “Jay” Foley, COO of Cancer Treatment Centers of America and the 2015 Go Red for Women Chair, with the help of his wife, Nita. “My passion for AHA comes from how heart disease has affected my life. When I was 15, my father died of cardiac arrest in front of my family in our living room. It led me to become an EMT in college, and to pursue a career in emergency medicine after graduation. As an EMT, I responded to many cardiac emergencies and witnessed the toll it took on the families that were left behind.”
According to Foley, his maternal grandfather died of a cardiac arrest when he was still in grammar school. “Seven years ago, my sister also collapsed in her home in front of her family from a cardiac event and passed away. She was in her mid-50s and was otherwise in excellent health.
“Nita and I are asking our friends, neighbors, co-workers and fellow business and civic leaders to join the Go Red movement – to unite to prevent heart disease and stroke,” said Foley. “Our mothers, daughters, sisters and friends are at risk. With the arrival of April weather comes a chance to garden or enjoy the outdoors, celebrate graduations, or plan a Mom’s Day gathering. It’s also time to put our hearts into it and Go Red For Women, so Nita and I invite you to please join us at this year’s luncheon on May 13!”
Visit ahatulsa.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/20152016TulsaGoRedLuncheon/tabid/731496/Default.aspx and consider these ways to get involved: volunteer, register for the luncheon, make a donation, or sponsor a table.
“Please help us support the AHA,” added Foley. “I believe the role AHA plays in awareness, education screenings and the like are providing lifesaving lessons for our community.”
The Tulsa Go Red Luncheon will be Friday, May 13 at Hyatt Regency Tulsa, 100 E. 2nd St. in Tulsa. Ticket prices are $250 per person. Donations of any denomination are welcome to support the event. RSVPs are due by May 11.