- Jenna
Heart Disease Survivor

Healthy, happy and at risk for heart failure
At 23, Jenna was healthy, thin, young and happy. She also had a heart functioning just barely above those in need of transplants. At first she thought stress was the culprit in her racing heart rate. When it started happening more regularly, however, Jenna decided to see a doctor. And it’s a good thing she did. Tests showed her heart was dangerously weak but doctors had no idea what caused it. Now she’s exercising, watching what she eats, and enjoying more energy than she ever had before. “Heart disease isn’t biased,” she reminds us. “You’re never too young for this to happen.” Read more about Jenna and women just like her at GoRedForWomen.org.

- Maria
Family History of Heart Disease

Sacrificing flan for improved family health
The wake-up call came after her father-in-law died of a heart attack. Since his eating habits contributed to his heart disease, Maria and her husband decided to make changes to their own diet. Maria became so concerned with taking care of her family that she neglected herself. Between her full-time job, school, and her family, she often forgot to eat. All of that has changed. “I know that if I don’t take care of myself,” she asserted, “I can’t take care of my family.” Today she’s finding the balance she needs, taking care of her family and avoiding the unhealthy choices that can lead to heart disease. Read more about Maria and women just like her at GoRedForWomen.org.

- Yuki
Heart Health Activist

The heart transplant that saved a life and a relationship
Most people think a heart transplant can save lives. For Yuki and her father, his transplant saved their relationship. After a lifetime apart and 15 heart attacks over 11 years, her father flew from Japan to New York to await a transplant. After his surgery and recovery, the two became closer than they’d ever been. With her father’s encouragement, Yuki left her stressful finance job to start a nonprofit that provides affordable housing for heart transplant and cardiac patients in the Greater New York area. She wants women to know that heart disease affects the whole body, not just your heart. Read more about Yuki and women just like her at GoRedForWomen.org.