Go Red Luncheon by American Heart Association

In an effort to elevate public awareness of the No. 1 killer of women and to raise funds for cardiovascular disease and stroke research, the American Heart Association (AHA) hosted its 12th annual Houston Go Red For Women Luncheon was held on Friday, May 6 at the Royal Sonesta Houston.

Denise Castillo-Rhodes, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Texas Medical Center, is the Chair for this year's Go Red For Women Campaign. This annual event brings together nearly 600 of Houston's most philanthropic citizens in celebration of women's heart health and the collective passion women possess, while addressing the importance of combating the No. 1 and No. 5 killers of women - heart disease and stroke.

The Keynote Speaker for the Houston Go Red For Women luncheon was Dr. Jennifer Ashton, a prominent women's health leader, chief women's health correspondent for ABC, co-host of Emmy-Award winning medical talk show "The Doctors," monthly columnist for Cosmopolitan magazine, board certified obstetrician-gynecologist and author. This year's event, emceed by ABC 13's Gina Gaston was filled with wonderful experiences including a fun shopping expo, health screenings, hands-only CPR demonstrations and a delicious healthy lunch.

Heart disease is a killer that strikes more women than men, and is more deadly than all forms of cancer combined. Each year, 1 in 3 women die of heart disease and stroke, yet 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented. The symptoms of heart disease can be different in women versus men, and are often misunderstood. During the past 12 years, the American Heart Association and the Go Red For Women Campaign have helped educate millions of women on heart diseases, risks and prevention. Funds raised at the Go Red for Women luncheon support research specifically geared towards women, education and legislative advocacy programs.