American Heart Association Greater Central Coast Division Team. From left to right: Danielle Sanchez, Kerstin Caujolle, Liz Faris, Monica Merryman, Rebecca Mendoza, Katie Beck, Angela Miller-Bevan. Courtesy photo.
SANTA BARBARA — The American Heart Association’s (AHA), the leading voluntary health organization devoted to a world of longer, healthier lives, held its 2020 Santa Barbara County Go Red for Women Luncheon on Friday, February 14 at the Hilton Santa Barbara Bayfront Resort. Hundreds attended the premier event designed to raise awareness of the leading cause of death in women: cardiovascular disease. The event raised more than $100,000 to support lifesaving cardiovascular research and education and was chaired by Denise Sanford, Vice President and Community Banking Manager for Community West Bank.
Banquet room at Santa Barbara Go Red for Women Luncheon.
The luncheon celebrated survivors of cardiovascular disease. Patty Swenson, mother of college student, Kathryn Kendrick, shared how hearing 2017 luncheon passion speaker Michele Mallet’s story of surviving a heart attack prompted her daughter to have her doctor examine her after she realized she was experiencing similar symptoms. Additionally, local cyclist John Hyde shared his experience surviving a widow maker heart attack. The luncheon also featured a health and wellness expo.
Patty Swenson (left) and Michele Mallet (right)
While nearly 80 percent of cardiac events may be prevented, cardiovascular diseases continue to be a woman’s greatest health threat. One in three women is living with some form of cardiovascular disease and it kills one woman about every 80 seconds.