American Heart Association announces Chicarra Jones as Go Red For Women Spokesperson & Member of 2016-2017 Class of “Real Women”
September 21, 2016
2016-2017 “Real Women” Want ALL Women to “Know Their Numbers”
American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women announced today this year’s “Real Women,” national spokespeople for the cause. This group of women from across the country will share their personal stories and encourage women to take a proactive role in their health by knowing their family history and knowing their personal health numbers, including blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and body mass index (BMI).
Heart disease and stroke cause 1 in 3 deaths among women each year, yet it is 80 percent preventable. This class of “Real Women” aim to remind Americans that being proactive when it comes to heart health can save your life.
“I’m living proof that knowledge is power,” said Chicarra Jones. “By knowing your family history, as well as knowing and managing your personal health numbers, you could be taking action today that could save your life tomorrow.”
On March 20, 2015 Chicarra Jones’ mother passed away from heart disease, four days after her 63rd birthday. Until that day, Chicarra had been a typical mother of two in her thirties. She was young, active, busy raising her family and often didn’t make her own health a priority. But, with the loss of her mother, Chicarra put everything into perspective and stopped putting off overdue doctor’s visits. She learned she had high blood pressure and high cholesterol both of which are risk factors for heart disease if left uncontrolled. Now, Chicarra encourages everyone to take a proactive approach to their health, to know their numbers, and to take the first step towards a more heart-healthy life.
Go Red For Women’s 2016-2017 “Real Women” are: Shea Bowen from Plano, TX, suffered heart failure while pregnant; Amanda DeJesus from Fresno, TX, had a heart transplant at age 15; Mickie (Mickela) Esquivel from Cedar Hill, TX, overhauled her diet to battle her family history of heart disease; Nicole Hardy from Scarborough, ME, underwent a double bypass and, later, a heart valve replacement; Ruby Hope from Saint Petersburg, FL, suffered a heart attack; Chicarra Jones from Columbia, SC/Dayton, OH, suffers from high blood pressure and cholesterol as well as a family history of heart disease; Evelyn McMahon from Raleigh, NC, suffered a stroke; Sarah Porter from Portland, ME, suffered two strokes; Sacha Taylor from Bakersfield, CA, suffered cardiac arrest as a one-month-old and was saved by CPR; Lillian Tsi Stielstra from San Francisco, CA, suffered a stroke;Eve Walker from Los Angeles, CA, had a heart attack at 28.
These women want all Americans, but especially women, to know their family history, know the red flags of heart disease and stroke, know their numbers and know through education, simple lifestyle changes and action, you have the power to prevent heart disease and stroke.
About Go Red For Women
Go Red For Women is the American Heart Association’s national movement to end heart disease and stroke in women. Heart disease and stroke kill 1 in 3 women – more than all cancers combined. The good news is that 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented with education and lifestyle changes. Women who Go Red live healthier lives. For more than a decade Go Red For Women has fought for equal health opportunity for women. We proudly wear red, share our stories of survival and advocate for more research and swifter action for women’s heart and brain health. Our future is focused on changing the culture to make it easier for women and their families to live healthier lives. When it comes to beating heart disease and stroke, it’s time to put our hearts into it. Take action at GoRedForWomen.org.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – the two leading causes of death in the world. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit heart.org or call any of our offices around the country.
