20th annual ‘Go Red for Women’ luncheon returns to downtown Detroit

Mallory and Maddison Applewhite at the 2024 Go Red for Women luncheon in Detroit. (photo by Gloria Rzucidlo/AmericaJR)

Detroit — Hundreds of women wearing red showed up today for the Go Red for Women luncheon held at the Huntington Place in downtown Detroit. Rhonda Walker from WDIV Channel 4 was again invited to be the emcee for the 2024 event. This year was also the 20th anniversary of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign.

Rhonda began with showing slides of her family who was affected by heart disease. “Heart disease claims more lives than all cancers combined but it is 80 percent preventable. Therefore, I am also eating healthy with lots of fruits and vegetables,” says Walker. “Women can come together and inspire health and well being for all. There is power in connection. We can share and grow. No woman has to go it alone. Heart disease and stroke knowledge can be the difference between life and death. Everyone of us can be a lifesaver.”

“One issue of heart disease is maternal health. Today there is a maternal health crisis. Heart disease is the number one killer of new moms. It is important for women to take care of their bodies and reduce their risk. If they thrive, their family thrives. We can support this by getting involved in the live auction today,” added Walker. In conclusion, she thanked the Go Red for Women for raising awareness for women’s heart health.

Kristy Sidlar says she’s been a member of the American Heart Association for 24 years. She received a heart transplant three years ago. “I continue to advocate for heart health today. Detroit is the first market to recognize Go Red for Women. There are millions of people that have been impacted,” Sidlar added.

Maddison and Mallory Applewhite came to the podium next. Mallory is the mother of a heart warrior. Mallory kew something was wrong during her 20-week anatomy ultrasound. The technician told her that the left side of Maddie’s heart was significantly underdeveloped. Applewhite’s baby was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. It was a serious but treatable congenital heart defect. Maddie was born in the spring of 2023. The first few months of her life were challenging. Maddie had two open-heart surgeries to date. She will have a third surgery at about age 3. However, things are looking positive now. She is a vibrant, happy baby today.

As we celebrate 100 years of the American Heart Association, together we can improve the outcome for all people. Here are four steps to take care of your heart health.