Women on mission to fight heart disease at luncheon

ALBANY— A Capital Region tradition continues at the Albany Marriott this month, when Capital Region women don red and learn how to fight heart disease and stroke at the Capital Region Go Red for Women Luncheon from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, May 23. at the Albany Marriott, 189 Wolf Road.

“The Go Red for Women movement is in its ninth year, and it’s encouraging how many women will join us at our signature event, the Go Red for Women Luncheon, to continue to raise awareness about women’s No. 1 health threat, heart disease,” said Maria Mazzone Decker, owner of Zia Maria’s Café at SEFCU and manager of the Ayco Cafes, and chair of this year’s Go Red for Women Luncheon.

Mary Hart, who was diagnosed with everything except heart disease until her heart was functioning at 10 percent of its capacity, will share her story.

Dr. Andalib Nawab, medical director of Ellis’ Women and Heart Disease Program at the Neil and Jane Golub Breast and Heart Health Center, will be the keynote speaker.

Ten women who have followed a 10-week BetterU challenge, sponsored by Price Chopper and Planet Fitness, will cele- brate their success at the Go Red for Women Luncheon.

In addition to an educational session featuring the BetterU women, there will also be a session presented by CapitalCare Medical Group discussing the link between exercise and appearance.

Guests will have time to network and shop the silent auction, which will again feature the famous “Purse-onalities” donated by area women, reflecting their individual personalities.

Benita Zahn, anchor at WNYT, will emcee. Dr. Anadalib Nawab, medical director of Ellis Medicine’s Women and Heart Disease Program at the Neil and Jane Golub Breast and Heart Health Center at the Bellevue Women’s Center, will speak.

There will be educational breakout sessions, a silent auction featuring the famous “purse-onalities,” manicure touch-ups, a heart-healthy lunch and inspiring survivor stories, including this year’s BetterU women. Go Red for Women is sponsored nationally by Macy’s and Merck. Local sponsors are SEFCU, Price Chopper, Albany Medical Center, CapitalCare Medical Group, The New York Beef Council and NYSUT.

Media sponsors are The Times Union, WNYT, B95.5 and WMHT. Tickets are $100 each. For information, call (518) 869-4046 or go to www.heart.org/capitalregiongoredluncheon.