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Health & Fitness

Detroit Go Red For Women Luncheon Set For Feb. 14

Detroit Go Red For Women Luncheon Set For Feb. 14
Rosie O’Donnell, award-winning actress, comedienne and author will serve as keynote speaker

This Valentine’s Day, the American Heart Association is asking people to show love for their heart by uniting with other women at the Detroit Go Red For Women Luncheon on Feb. 14. The event will be held at MGM Grand Detroit from 9 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. and features a health expo and heart-healthy lunch at noon.  

 

According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, killing more women than all forms of cancer combined.  Committed to raising awareness and funding for research is the 2014 chair, Sharyl Smith, vice president of Marketing, Planning, and Public Relations for McLaren Macomb.  Janice Cosby Bridges, chief marketing officer for Ascension Health Michigan and Leesa Smith, president and regional representative for Freudenberg North America join the movement as co-chairs.

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Having lost both parents to heart disease, Smith is dedicated to educating others. “The fight against heart disease is very personal for me, and this luncheon supports education and research that makes a difference in that fight”, said Smith. “Heart disease is the number one killer of adults in Michigan. McLaren Macomb’s partnership with the American Heart Association is part of our commitment to a healthier community.”

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In addition to the expo and silent auction, attendees will hear a powerful story from a noted celebrity and survivor.

 

"Rosie O'Donnell is a multiple Emmy Award winning television, stage and movie star and active philanthropist. In addition to hosting popular TV talk shows and a satellite radio show, Rosie has appeared in several Broadway productions and is a New York Times bestselling author."

 

“I was looking both ways for the breast cancer taxi when I got hit by the heart attack bus,” said O’Donnell.

 

“Sadly, I had to learn from my own heart attack that the symptoms I always heard about and looked for are really those for men. Women’s symptoms could not be more different!

It’s time for women to raise our own awareness and look after ourselves like we look after others.”

 

An estimated eight million women in the U.S. are living with heart disease, yet only one in six women believe that heart disease is her greatest health threat. In fact, 90 percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease.

 

Tickets for the luncheon are $250. For more information about metro Detroit’s Go Red For Women campaign, contact Catherine Smith, at 248.936.5820 or www.detroitgoredforwomen.org.

 

The 2014 Go Red For Women campaign is locally sponsored by McLaren Macomb, St. John Providence Health System, Freudenberg NOK, Toyota, Quicken Loans Inc., Beaumont Health System, ITC Holdings Corp., Medstar Ambulance Service, American Laser Skincare, BorgWarner, Cargill and Leo Burnett. Macy’s is a proud national sponsor of the Go Red For Women Movement.

 

About the American Heart Association

 

The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – America’s No. 1 and No. 4 killers. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit heart.org or call any of our offices around the country.

 

For a complete list of American Heart Association events visit www.heart.org/semi.

 

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