Women of Impact lead the charge in West Tennessee’s fight against heart disease

JACKSON, Tenn. — This year marked the 20th celebration of Go Red for women.

Women and men from all over West Tennessee gathered to address women’s heart health and wear red.

For the past 20 years West Tennesseans have expressed the importance of learning about heart health.

“It’s so important that people realize that one-in-four women are affected by heart health. It is the leading cause of women’s deaths today,” said Marda Wallace, Co-Chair for Women of Impact.

The Women of Impact are leaders in their community and are selected by their peers.

20 women are selected to fundraise and spread the word about heart health.

“They are always giving back in there community and this is one way that we show our respect to them, and they are advocates for American Heart. And then they are also raising money that will go directly to the American Heart Association,” said Wallace.

American Heart Association has provided education to schools across the state to inform them about heart health, and has also provided schools with AED machines.

“Anytime you think of someone who is on medication, or has any type of a heart implant or transplant the American Heart has been there for them,” said Wallace.

The money raised for Thursday night’s ‘Go Red’ event goes towards the West Tennessee American Heart Association branch.

“This year’s Women of Impact have already raised over 55,000. That is such a substantial amount. And we also have Teen of Impact that are really leaders in high school in the community and they are also promoting heart health,” said Wallace.

Caden Brewer is a current junior in high school has been impacted by this association.

Brewer is the keynote speaker for their Go Red event.

“Cause some schools in my counties did not have AED’s until my incident happened. So they got AED’s now. And just to be prepared. Your heart is no joke to mess around with just be prepared is what I want to talk about,” said Brewer.

Guests that attended were able to enjoy their dinner with a fashion show from the 20 Women of Impact.

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