26-year-old heart transplant and stroke survivor named national champion for women’s health

(Press-News.org) DALLAS, May 13, 2024 — Fewer than half of all women are aware that heart disease is their leading cause of death. That is why the American Heart Association, celebrating one hundred years of lifesaving service, created its community-based Woman of Impact™ initiative as an outgrowth of its year-round Go Red for Women® activist movement. The movement spotlights the lack of awareness and the clinical care gaps in women’s heart health. This year’s National Winner of the Go Red for Women 2024 Woman of Impart initiative is a 26-year-old heart transplant recipient, stroke survivor and American Heart Association local volunteer, Hana Hooper from Puget Sound, Wash.

The Woman of Impact campaign launched on National Wear Red Day®, Feb. 2, and culminated on April 4. Participants were nominated from communities across the country by peer volunteers to participate in the nine-week program where they worked to raise awareness for women’s heart health locally, drive action to improve the health of women in their communities and ultimately help fund the lifesaving mission of the American Heart Association.

Hooper’s motivation to participate in Woman of Impact was personal. In 2016, just one month into her college experience, she suffered a stroke and was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy. She was placed on the heart transplant list and underwent surgery to receive a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) to help her heart pump while waiting for a new heart. She suffered another stroke during the surgery and spent three months in a semi-conscious state and woke up having to relearn to walk, talk and navigate the world with a visual impairment. Hooper received a heart transplant in 2018 and today lives a full and active life. During the Woman of Impact campaign, Hooper raised more than 200,000 points by raising critical funds and completing impact activities like hosting yoga and line dancing classes, speaking engagements and more.

“The Woman of Impact campaign is a beacon of hope, shining a light on the incredible changemakers who are transforming the landscape of women’s heart health,” said Marsha E. Jones, American Heart Association volunteer board chair and former executive vice president and chief diversity officer for The PNC Financial Services Group. “At the American Heart Association, our future is about improving yours. As we move into the second century of our lifesaving work, Hana, along with all the nominees, are inspiring and enabling more women to live longer and healthier lives.”

Hooper earned this prestigious recognition for her support of the mission of the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives. Hooper, one of nearly 500 nominees in cities across the country, worked to shine a spotlight on women’s health while raising funds to fuel the mission of the Association and support the Go Red for Women movement, a comprehensive platform designed more than two decades ago to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally.

As the national volunteer winner, Hooper will have opportunities to use her title and passion to support the work of the American Heart Association throughout its centennial year. (Updated 5/13/24)

For more information about the Woman of Impact campaign and the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement, visit GoRedforWomen.org.

Additional Resources:

Spanish News Release (To be added when available) Learn more about heart disease in women Factors that increase your risk for stroke Facts, Causes and Risks of Stroke ###

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 a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact, our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

   About Go Red for Women® 
The American Heart Association’s signature initiative, Go Red for Women®, is a comprehensive platform designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. While the 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 more than two decades, Go Red for Women has encouraged awareness. The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power of women to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them tools they need to lead a heart healthy life. The Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, with additional support from national cause supporters. For more information, please visit GoRedforWomen.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721). 

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