Records shattered at 2023 Austin Go Red for Women Luncheon

Central Texas’ commitment to women’s health has never felt stronger than it did at the 2023 Austin Go Red for Women Luncheon and Summit, presented by St. David’s HealthCare during American Heart Month. Behind the leadership of chairperson Denise Bradley, the Luncheon set a new fundraising record with over $400,000 raised to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change.

A record-number 420 attendees were delighted by keynote speaker Star Jones (lawyer/TV personality, Divorce Court) as she bravely shared her heart health journey. “They [flight attendants] tell you when you get on a plane to put your own oxygen mask on first. We, as women, need to be doing that with our heart health,” said Jones during her address. “If you can’t help yourself, you can’t help others.”

Laura Sammons, the event's Open Your Heart Stroke Survivor, is a former US

Air Force JAG officer, talented singer, mother of five and current corporate attorney who has taken control of her health after a life-changing medical scare.

Attendees were encouraged to “Be the Beat” by emcees Kristen Currie and Jennifer Sanders from KXAN and learned how to perform Hands-Only CPR during the event. It is especially imperative for women to learn this simple two-step, lifesaving skill because women are less likely to receive bystander CPR due to fears of sexual assault or doing greater physical harm.

Next year marks the 100th anniversary of the American Heart Association and the 20th year of Go Red for Women in Austin. The Go Red for Women movement exists to increase women’s heart health awareness, and serves as a catalyst for change in the drive to improve the lives of all women. Find resources to support women’s heart health at GoRedforWomen.org.