Red Dress Event Raises Funds for Women’s Heart Health

More than 200 guests honored women struggling with heart disease Wednesday, April 18, at the 10^th annual Red Dress Cocktail Party at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix.

The fashion show and benefit raises awareness about the No. 1 killer of women and men in the United States.

Agnes Ewongwo (above), a third-year student at the UA College of Medicine – Phoenix, was one of the dozen models who walked the runway wearing fashions from Dillard’s. Her father suffered a stroke when Ewongwo was 8 years old; he died 11 years later from complications of the stroke. Her mother has a heart murmur and struggles with hypertension.

“This is an issue that is very close to my heart,” she said. “I come from a family that has been plagued with heart diseases. So much more needs to be done to raise awareness and prevention efforts.”

Alyssa Thomas, a fourth-year medical student at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix, also was a model in the fashion show. She honored her mother, who died of heart disease when Thomas was just 14 years old.

All the models had a connection with heart disease, whether through a family member or through their own experience.

The event was started by Maria Benson, who lost three women in her family to heart attacks, including her mother and grandmother. It raises money to support the heart disease prevention efforts of Martha Gulati, MD, division chief of cardiology at the college and physician executive director for the Banner University Medicine Cardiovascular Institute in Phoenix.

Dr. Gulati is a tireless advocate for more clinical trials and research for women who have suffered strokes or a heart attack.

“We all have to work to empower and educate women about their No. 1 killer,” she said. “Women need to insist on the life-saving care and prevention therapies offered to men. We should empower women to demand not just equity in care, but equity in research and push our government and researchers to describe the sex differences in outcomes, whether it’s in medications, procedures or devices.”

She urged women to learn about the risk factors for heart disease, not just high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking and family history, but also things that happen in pregnancy that no one talks about, such has having high blood pressure in pregnancy, gestational diabetes and early deliveries, which all increase the risk for heart disease.

Dr. Gulati paid tribute to Benson, saying she has used the pain from losing her mother to inspire others.

“When you lose your mother, their power becomes part of you. The strength, energy and passion you have for educating women about heart disease is because she is behind you and pushing you forward to make a difference in so many women’s lives,” Dr. Gulati said.

Benson said she is thrilled with the community being built by those who attend the event each year.

In addition to Dillard’s, sponsors included Citron Catering, The Links, Solis Mammography, Arizona Center and Seasons 52.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in American women. Nearly twice as many women in the United States die of heart disease, stroke or other cardiovascular diseases compared to all forms of cancer, including breast cancer.

Dr. Gulati encourages women to watch her four-part Heart to Heart video series that’s full of tips, advice and charm — all designed to bring awareness to heart disease.

• Photos from the event.