WS Chronicle

Photo by Ashlea Jones

BY ASHLEA JONES 

FOR THE CHRONICLE

Red HEARRT (Help Educate and Reduce Risk Today) hosted a Women’s Red Bottom Shoes Luncheon & Wellness Event on Saturday, March 11 at the M.C. Benton Convention Center.  This event aimed to educate women, specifically women of color, about heart health issues and methods for prevention.

The event kicked-off with the wellness portion. Guests were given the opportunity to visit a variety of booths. Vendors were available to give health assessments, pamper them with massages, and demonstrate fitness techniques. Door prizes were also given throughout the event, with the biggest drawing being for a pair of Red Bottom Shoes.

The luncheon, which was attended by more than 200 women, was emceed by WXII Anchor/Reporter Talitha Vickers. Most of the attendees wore red to commemorate the occasion.

“We wear red to let everyone know that you can’t do this without us,” said Judge Denise Hartsfield, Forsyth County District Court judge. “We’ve learned to love our hearts, and that why we’re here.

Heart disease survivors walked the red carpet runway while the Rev. Dr. Kia Hood, site pastor for Union Baptist Church in Jamestown, introduced them and read their survival stories to the audience.  Cheryl Lindsay, Red HEARRT founder, lost her mother to heart disease and uses events such as this to coincide with the National Go Red February campaigns.

“You are the occasion. You are not here just for the shoes or just because someone you know passed away, but because it could be you,” said Lindsay. “I want to make sure you are around for your children, your grandchildren, your cousins, [and] all of your family.”

Several speakers, such as Joia Johnson, Chief Administrative Officer, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Hanesbrands Inc.; Dr. Jaleema Speaks, obstetrician and gynecologist for Novant Health; and Apostle Gloria Samuels of Great Commission Community Church, addressed the group with messages designed to empower the audience and explain how heart health correlates with the mind, body and soul.

“The reason you need to know about heart disease is because it is the Number One killer of women in this country. So I have a 1 out of 3 chance of dying from heart disease,” said Speaks. “Take care of your heart, so you can take care of yourself and your community.”

Other speakers included: Rita Wilson, co-pastor of Cathedral of Refuge Church of Deliverance; Joyce McCarter, co-pastor of Greater Church; and Alana McCarter, CEO of BossUP. The event concluded with Judge Hartsfield receiving the “Heartbeat Legacy Award” for being a champion for others, and words from the sponsor.

“Women innately take care of everyone else,” said Lindsay. “Today is a way to salute women and get them to pause and focus on self. If they don’t, their hearts will stop.”