Go Red for Women luncheon raises heart disease awareness in Odessa

First Alert 7’s Isabella Garigga and Jay Hendricks emceed the Go Red for Women luncheon that was held at the Odessa Marriott Hotel & Conference Center.

The event brought the community together to raise awareness about heart disease and stroke while sharing prevention tips.

The event included an auction, music and lunch. Attendees danced to get their bodies moving and heart rates up.

The focus was on education, sharing warning signs, how symptoms can differ in women and a hands-on CPR demonstration.

Attendees heard testimonies from national and local survivors, who shared their stories and were honored during the event.

Organizers said women often put their own health last while caring for others.

“Women are the caretakers of their families. They provide things for their families, and they tend to put their health on the back burner,” said Ashley Quintana, corporate market director for the American Heart Association. “We want them to take control. If that headache has been lingering for a little bit longer, maybe go see a doctor. If you’re having some shoulder or chest pain, please go get that looked at and don’t ignore the signs.”

Heart disease remains the number one cause of death for women in the United States, killing more women than all forms of cancer combined.

Organizers said they hope the event served as a reminder to take care of yourself and to look out for the health of the women in your life.