Heart health awareness

Members of the executive leadership team for the 2024 Marion Go Red for Women Luncheon are shown during a planning meeting. [Photo courtesy of the American Heart Association]

The American Heart Association wants women to be more aware of one of the greatest threats to their health—cardiovascular disease. The local chapter also wants community members to enjoy camaraderie and share a meal together as they learn more about heart health.

This year’s Go Red for Women luncheon will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 22 at Hilton Ocala, 3600 SW 36^th Ave., Ocala. The event announcement notes that the “community’s most respected business, healthcare, civic and philanthropic leaders unite at the luncheon to raise funds for continued research, education and outreach.”

The 2024 luncheon chairperson is Manal Fakhoury, who has been active on numerous local boards for many years. She is the curator of TedxOcala and president of Ollin Women International. Fakhoury, who holds Doctor of Pharmacy and MBA degrees, was the clinical coordinator at Ocala Health for 28 years.

We did a question-and-answer session with Mallory Sealey, development director for the Ocala arm of the American Heart Association, and Fakhoury, to learn more about women and cardiovascular disease and the local luncheon.

MALLORY SEALEY

What is the history of this endeavor in Ocala/Marion County?

Since 2004, Go Red for Women has addressed the awareness and clinical care gaps of women’s greatest health threat, cardiovascular disease. As Go Red celebrates 20 years of making an impact, on the cusp of the American Heart Association’s 100th anniversary, we continue to make bold moves to save lives and pioneer scientific discoveries. We haven’t done it alone. We reach our goals working with organizations and individuals who share our vision for better health and today, the Go Red for Women community is stronger than ever.

Why should women be more concerned about their heart health?

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming more lives than all cancers combined. Nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of cardiovascular disease. Women experience unique life stages that increase their risk of developing CVD over the course of their lifetime. Go Red for Women is here for their health and well-being at every age, stage, and season of their lives.

How will the luncheon benefit the American Heart Association?

This luncheon ensures we can continue to bring awareness and fund research for the women of Ocala and beyond. Go Red for Women serves as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. Through media, events, storytelling, and digital platforms we are raise the voices of women to raise awareness about their greatest health threat—cardiovascular disease. Survivors, health experts, celebrities, and CEOs help carry our message and mission to help all women understand their risk so they can fight back against heart disease and stroke.

As many know, women continue to be underrepresented—and underfunded—in both research and STEM fields. We’re addressing this through Research Goes Red, STEM Goes Red and efforts to increase funding and research on CVD in women.

What can people expect if they sign up to attend the event?

The Go Red for Women event experience focuses on connection and engagement—fostering an atmosphere of interaction and networking at every turn. We will connect, empower, and energize. The format will be upbeat, engaging and fun.

MANAL FAKHOURY

What is your involvement with the luncheon?

Marion County’s first Go Red for Women Luncheon was in 2007. I was the 2010 event chair and have served on the committee for many years. I have been a Circle member for many years as well. I was the American Heart Association Heart Walk chair in 2021 and now for 2024, I’m proudly serving as the AHA Go Red for Women chair.

What would you say to area women about taking care of themselves?

I am a huge advocate of your first wealth is health. I intentionally live a healthy lifestyle to the best of my ability, and I encourage everyone to take their health seriously, to be disciplined in food choices, activity level, emotional strength, and spiritual connection. Sadly, too often I hear about the tragic loss of life due to a heart attack or other health issues. Go Red for Women allows us to come together as women to learn, advocate, and practice important health habits.

To learn more, go to heart.org/marioncountygored