Ohio teen and Florida veteran named first national heart health program winners

(Press-News.org) DALLAS, July 11, 2023 — Two dedicated volunteers have reached a prestigious milestone with the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, for their personal passion and commitment to advance women’s heart health.

For the third year, changemakers across the country were nominated to join the American Heart Association’s Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact® campaigns. Aligning with the Go Red for Women® movement, the Association’s signature women’s initiative, the Woman of Impact campaign places a special emphasis on advancing the well-being of all women, while the Teen of Impact program centers around relevant issues that affect teen heart health today, such as healthy eating and the vaping epidemic.

“We are so appreciative for the dedicated volunteers whose work has allowed the organization to have a powerful impact on heart health - both through the Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact programs, as well as by championing for better health education and awareness across the nation,” said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association.  “If everyone unites to bring about change, further lifesaving advancements are possible.”

This year, two individuals were named as the first-ever Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact National Winners for earning the most points through the community education, advocacy and fundraising activities they led during the initiative. These titles are a testament to these volunteers’ commitment and dedication to improving women’s and teen heart health in their communities.

The 2023 National Winners are:

Woman of Impact - Iliana Rentz - Palm Beach, Florida

Iliana Rentz joined the Woman of Impact program through her company, NextEra Energy. Tragically, her firstborn daughter, Victoria, passed away from a heart attack shortly after she was born due to an undiagnosed heart defect.

“With early diagnosis, had we known when she was in the womb, we could have done a medical intervention at the time, and Victoria could have lived a long and healthy life,” Rentz says.

A military veteran herself, Rentz has always been dedicated to helping and serving others. “Service is very important to myself and my family, and giving back is, quite frankly, the center of who we are.”

In addition to Rentz, three Woman of Impact nominees joined the Woman of Impact Centennial Club, recognizing other exceptional nominees from around the country. They are:

Cristina Civetta – New York, NY

Jenny Collopy – Cincinnati, OH

Christine Machado – Orange County, CA

Teen of Impact - Paige Levine – Cincinnati, OH

Paige Levine and her family are no strangers to the tragedies of heart disease. Her grandmother suffered two heart attacks and eventually passed away the day after Levine’s seventh birthday. One of her grandfathers was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and died suddenly one day while golfing. Her other grandfather underwent a quadruple bypass before Levine was born.

“We want to help other families, so they do not have to go through what ours has gone through,” says Levine. “We want to raise money to help fund research and programs to allow for better heart health.”

Calling Teen of Impact, the “opportunity of a lifetime,” Levine assembled an impressive Impact Team of 33 individuals who contributed to Levine’s fundraising and awareness goals. Through her guidance and example, that team helped the 16-year-old sophomore raise lifesaving funds and work to transform the heart health and well-being of Cincinnati and beyond.

Additional Resources:

Multimedia is available is on right column of release link.  Spanish news release to be added to release link.  About Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact

For nine weeks starting in February, American Heart Month, participants drove education and peer-to-peer fundraising through community activities such as learning Hands-Only CPR, encouraging women to contribute to research through Research Goes Red, and advocating for healthy policy change through the American Heart Association’s grassroots advocacy network.

More than 500 volunteers nationwide accepted this year’s invitation to become a nominee, and together with their teams and supporters, raised more than $5 million to support the Association’s efforts to improve health for all.

Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women and men in the United States, claiming more lives each year than all forms of cancer combined. While the large majority of cardiovascular diseases can be prevented, it continues to be the nation’s greatest health threat. The Association honors all the Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact nominees and team members for their dedication to helping change these troubling statistics.

For more information on Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact, contact your local American Heart Association office.

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. 

About Go Red for Women 

The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement is the trusted, passionate, relevant force for change to end heart disease and stroke in women all over the world. While the large majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 women. For 19 years, Go Red for Women has provided a platform for women to come together, raise awareness, fund lifesaving research, advocate for change and improve the lives of all women everywhere. The American Heart Association's Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, with additional support from national cause supporters. Connect with us on GoRedforWomen.org, Facebook, Twitter, or by calling 1-888-MY-HEART (1- 888-694-3278).

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