American Heart Month is dedicated to raising heart health awareness and educating Americans on critical steps to help eliminate cardiovascular disease. Each year, the American Heart Association® designates the first Friday of February as National Wear Red Day® and encourages people from coast to coast to sport red attire and rally around a common goal: saving more women’s lives!
This #WearRedDay, our RQI Partners’ team members were asked who they wear red for and why. Below, learn why they don red today, and every day!
Chase Aldrich
Texas
“I wear red to support all the women in my family who have struggled with cardiovascular disease.”
Torri Armitage
Missouri
“I wear red for the future of my children, to ensure they grow up fully informed and equipped to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease.”
Kerry Barker
Florida
“I wear red in memory of my cousin, in support of continued research, and in hopes of a healthier future for my daughters.”
Matthew Bates
Wyoming
“I wear red as a reminder of compassion and warmth and love, so that I can help provide a better outlook on life.”
Amber Battles
Texas
“I go red for my mother who has ventricular tachycardia and for myself, as I had Kawasaki’s disease as a baby, which is a disease that attacks the heart. So, I go red to show my gratitude for all of the researchers and physicians who are making great strides in providing cures for heart disease.”
Mindy Beebe
Arizona
“Join us in our mission to save more lives from sudden cardiac arrest – we need all the “red” we can get!”
Barbara Boyd
North Carolina
“I ‘Go Red’ because I care. I ‘Go Red’ because my health is important. I ‘Go Red’ because heart health affects us all. I ‘Go Red’ because when I am healthy, I am a better person.”
Kaylee Boyle
Kansas
“As women, we are often focused on caring for those around us, but it’s incredibly important to advocate for our own personal wellness. I’m a supporter of National Wear Red Day and empowering women to take control of their heart health. Early intervention, education, and awareness can save lives!”
Stephanie Brown
Texas
“Wearing red symbolizes my embrace of living a heart-healthy lifestyle. And encouraging my family, loved ones and friends to do the same.”
Ed Brunins
Pennsylvania
“I go “Red” so that we can work together to eliminate the impact of cardiac arrest.”
Dale Bulman
Florida
“In 2024, I experienced a health challenge that led to important lifestyle changes, including modification of my diet, starting blood pressure medication, and focusing on stress management and my reactions to stress. While these adjustments can be difficult, they are vital steps toward better health and well-being, and I made an all-in commitment to these changes!”
Carrie Burns
Florida
“Today and every day, I wear red in honor of my family. My father experienced a heart attack in 2023. We recognize the importance of heart health, and we are so thankful he is still with us today!”
Sam Calderon
New York
“I wear red to bring awareness to heart month, heart health, and the effects of cardiovascular disease. I wear red to be part of this amazing community hoping to make an impact by helping save more lives.”
Victoria Carrasquillo
New York
“I wear red to help raise awareness about heart disease and the importance of heart health—something that’s at the core of what we do at RQI Partners. Wearing red encourages others and allows me to stand by the customers of our program in their everyday fight to save lives.”
DooSu Choi
New York
“Since COVID, I choose to actively be more health conscious. As I take my health more seriously, I also work to raise heart health awareness and sharing that awareness with those around me.”
Sandi Ciotti
New York
“I wear red to remind women, including myself, to prioritize self-care and raise awareness about the importance of heart health. It’s a reminder to listen to our hearts, and to not ignore the potential signs of a heart attack or stroke.”
Brittany Coburn
Georgia
“I wear red because my life depends on it! As women we pour everything into others and often forget about our own needs. Self-care and being more health conscious are my goals for 2025! If my overall health is intact, it will trickle down to all of those around me.”
Aly Condon
Georgia
“I wear red to bring awareness to women about heart health and the importance of taking preventative measures to keep your heart healthy.”
Tami Davenport
Texas
“I guess you could say, ‘I was born to Go Red’ because I go red for my older sister – Stacey Lyn - who passed away at 12 days old due to an undetectable, underdeveloped heart. Then my parents gave me the honor of being named after her – Tami Lyn - so I carry a piece of her with me always. One of my favorite parts of my job is knowing that I am contributing to the work of the American Heart Association, RQI Partners, and Laerdal, to ensure that fewer families suffer the same loss as mine. That is why I have been a part of this life saving work for more than 20 years and why I GO RED!”
Nicole Drost
New York
“My family goes red for Heart Month to honor my Mother-in-Law, who battled atrial fibrillation and experienced a series of mini strokes. Her story reminds us of the critical importance of heart health and the lifesaving work we do every day to support families like ours.”
Heather Enriquez
Arizona
“I wear red to raise awareness and inspire action to fight the number one killer of women.”
Anna Evans
New York
“I wear red because I am proud to be part of the solution.”
Jeannette Fasolino
New York
“I wear red in remembrance of our fellow women we've lost and a reminder to take care of our health.”
Alison Fehr
New York
“I go red because I want to be around as long as possible for my kids and want to raise awareness so that women everywhere make their health a priority as we work together to take a stand against cardiovascular disease and stroke.”
Betsy Flynn
Illinois
“I wear red to raise awareness about heart health and encourage others to take action against cardiovascular disease. It's my way of supporting the fight to keep hearts healthy.”
Jamie Friar
Arizona
“I’ll go red to help bring awareness to recognizing early warning signs for either a heart attack or stroke. Getting treatment early for the number one killer of women, can help save more women’s lives.”
Christy Futrell
Tennessee
“I wear red in memory of my sister-in-law, who tragically passed away from sudden cardiac arrest. This loss deeply impacted her children, my niece and nephew, who were left without their mother. While they are now adults, I often reflect on the milestones and moments they've experienced without her presence. My participation in Go Red for Women is dedicated to her memory and to raising awareness of heart disease in women.”
Lauren Gaumer
Texas
“I go red for my family.”
Fran Graff
Florida
“I wear red in support of all women and in memory of loved ones lost to cardiovascular disease.”
Crystal Grant
South Carolina
“A friend has two sons who both were born with CHD, Congenital Heart Disorder. One of her sons, who is currently 8 years old, has undergone four open heart surgeries to date, with the first surgery occurring at just a few months old. He is currently being monitored again to see if he will have to undergo yet another surgery sooner rather than later. I wear red to support Tanner and his remarkable courage, strength, and resilience.”
Kristy Haschke
Texas
“Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States and can occur at any age. As women we should strive to support our mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends. Let us all be seen and heard to raise awareness of our biggest health risk.”
Ryan Hunt
Indiana
“I wear red for heart health awareness and education, protecting our most valued possession: time with loved ones.”
Emily Imperiale
Oregon
“I “Go Red” to raise awareness and show support for those affected by cardiac challenges, especially my children's friends who have benefitted from critical cardiac care and surgery. It’s a way to honor their strength and resilience, especially at young ages.”
Jesse Inoncillo
New York
“I wear red to raise awareness about cardiac health, especially to my close friends and family.”
Amy Jackson
Missouri
“I go red to bring awareness that cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women and to help change that statistic.”
Kiara Johnson
New York
“I wear red to make an impact on lives throughout the world. I support a family member and friend with heart conditions to ensure they are not alone in their journey fighting their conditions.”
Brandi Johnston
Florida
“I wear red in support of the American Heart Association to raise awareness about heart health and show my commitment to fighting heart disease.”
Jennifer Joseph
Florida
““I wear red because it's a reminder to live boldly: just like the color, life is too short to fade into the background.”
Erin Keely
Michigan
“I wear red in support of my good friend's daughter, Yvonne, who is five years old. She was born with a rare heart condition that has resulted in four open heart surgeries by the time she was four years old. Due to the advance medicine and research, I am grateful to say that she is thriving and is not expected to have another surgery until she is a teenager.”
Tim Kernan
New Jersey
“Red for the heart, to stand and be strong; For healthy choices, we all must belong. A reminder to care, to live and to thrive; For our hearts' well-being, we strive and drive.”
MJ Lewis
Florida
“I wear red in remembrance of my mother, who was a recipient of lifesaving CPR.”
Karen Linder
South Carolina
“My passion as a nurse is to help people heal and to save lives. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for people of all genders and races. It is also the leading cause of death in the United States. I wear red because I want to help save more lives from cardiac arrest.”
Christina Maggio
New York
“I go red for my mom. She died of sudden cardiac arrest seventeen years ago.”
Kenneth Manning
New York
“I wear red to support heart awareness because it symbolizes the importance of taking care of our cardiovascular health. Red is a powerful color that represents strength and vitality, and by wearing it, I am raising awareness about heart disease, encouraging healthy habits, and supporting efforts to reduce risks related to heart conditions. It serves as a reminder that heart health is crucial for everyone, and we all have a role in preventing heart disease.”
Jessica Manton
Delaware
“I am wearing red because I want women to have the same survival odds as men when experiencing cardiac arrest. Women are less likely to receive CPR from bystanders when they need it and it's time to close the gap, so everyone has equal changes of survival.”
Lisa Mathis
New York
“I ‘Go Red’ every day because my commitment to reducing deaths from cardiac disease drives how I support our customers in getting the most value from RQI programs.”
Mike McAllister
Arizona
“I’m wearing red to shine a light on cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death for women. Women are the heartbeat of our world, and by raising awareness, we can help save lives and bring even more love, strength, and beauty into our lives. Together, we can make a difference!”
Ashton McPartland
Texas
“My ‘why’ is my daughter, Maeve, and all patients and families of those affected by pediatric congenital disorders.”
Judy Miller
Oklahoma
“I wear red to show my support for those who are affected by heart disease – we are together in our search for cures. I am also committed to ensuring that I will be able to perform high-quality CPR that quarterly practice creates, if I am ever called upon within my community to do so.”
Candace Murphy
Michigan
“I was diagnosed with familial hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) and have been on medication since I was 16! Routine doctor's appointments and heart health checks are essential, as if untreated can lead to early heart attacks.”
Gareth Patrickson
Australia
“I wear red to support all the amazing volunteers, employees, and contributors to the American Heart Association and its broad network of partners. I am one small part of the bold mission – to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.”
Ashli Phillips
Virginia
“I wear RED to spread awareness for all women across the globe, to be an advocate for their heart health and focus on healthy habits. I also wear red to honor my female family members who have been impacted by heart disease and cardiac arrest.”
Travis Pittman
Washington
“I wear red to advocate for and support women's heart health. By wearing red, I aim to spark conversations and inspire others to prioritize heart-healthy choices.”
Mike Plajer
Indiana
“My mom died in 2017 due to complications of cardiac arrest. I wear red to honor her as well as those that have gone through the same thing. I also wear red because I truly believe in RQIP’s vision which is that nobody should die from cardiac arrest.”
Joan Quinn
New York
“I wear red in memory of my mom.”
René Ramón
Texas
“I wear red to support the mission of the American Heart Association. None of us are free from the impacts of heart disease and stroke - we all have loved ones in our lives who have been impacted. Wearing red gives us an opportunity to share the American Heart Association's mission and lifesaving resources with others.”
Julie Raymond-DeCarlo
Florida
“I wear red because my family has a history of heart issues, and we are SO very grateful for all involved in the mission of saving more lives from cardiac arrest.”
Ben Rhudy
Texas
“I wear red to make a positive impact on the lives of my local and global community every day, and to improve the quality of life for everyone I can, through our solutions, but also how I interact with others.”
Kristen Richardson
Kansas
“I wear red because I not only care about my own health but also all the women in my life. We are always first to take care of those around us and often fail to give the same care and love to ourselves. It’s time we give back to ourselves!”
Sybel Santiago
Georgia
“I wear red to raise awareness about the importance of heart health. Your heart is not just a vital organ; it's a symbol of life and purpose. As long as your heart beats, you have a unique role to fulfill in this world.”
Heather Seitz
Nebraska
“I wear red to help bring awareness to others of the importance of heart health and wellness no matter of age. Having close family members and friends who have experienced heart health challenges, brings even a heightened importance!”
Maeve Shaughnessy
Massachusetts
“I wear red to remember the women who have gone before us, and to recognize the women who are with us today who battle heart disease. Through research, advocacy, and education, we strive to improve the quality of life and chances of survival for heart attacks, stroke, and cardiac arrest for the future generations of women.”
Kyle Slaymaker
Arizona
“Wearing red symbolizes my commitment to advocating for heart health and supporting the lifesaving work of organizations like the American Heart Association. It's a bold and visible statement to remind everyone of the importance of taking care of their hearts.”
Wendy Stock
Utah
“I wear red to raise awareness about the leading cause of death among women—heart disease—and to inspire others to take charge of their heart health. I wear red to honor women everywhere, advocating for research, education, and prevention specific to women.”
Ramsey Toban
Tennessee
“I wear read because it represents heart health and awareness, a core mission of the American Heart Association and RQI Partners. It's a powerful symbol of advocacy for cardiovascular health and a reminder to take action in the fight against heart disease.”
Victoria Valente
New York
“I wear red in memory of my grandfather. My family was able to recognize the signs of a stroke and quickly brought him to medical professionals. He ended up receiving quadruple bypass surgery that allowed him to be around for most of my childhood.”
Carrie Ward
Florida
“I wear red because my family has a history of heart disease. After my own heart attack last year, I made a commitment to raise awareness and help save more lives.”
Nicole Watkins
Texas
“I wear red for National Wear Red Day to raise awareness about heart disease and its impact on countless lives, including those of women, who are often underrepresented in heart health advocacy. By wearing red, I honor the importance of prevention, education, and research that can save lives and inspire healthier communities. It’s a small yet powerful way to show support and encourage others to prioritize their heart health.”
Amalee Yang
Minnesota
“I wear red for my cousin, Jane. She was an amazing person who was taken too soon from a genetic cardiovascular disease.”
Human Resources Team
New York
“Our Human Resources team goes red to raise awareness for women’s heart health. As women, we want our voices to be heard to make an impact for women across the US and around the globe.”

Chase Smith
Chase Aldrich
Texas
“In 2024, I experienced a health challenge that led to important lifestyle changes, including modification of my diet, starting blood pressure medication, and focusing on stress management and my reactions to stress. While these adjustments can be difficult, they are vital steps toward better health and well-being, and I made an all-in commitment to these changes!”
Chase Aldrich
Texas
“I wear red to support all the women in my family who have struggled with cardiovascular disease.”