American Heart Association Partnership
For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Dawn Reed
260-982-4028
317-501-6089
dawn.reed@heart.org
American Heart Association Announces BARBIE “B” FOUNDATION as First Ever Local Cause Partner of Michiana Go Red for Women Movement
Support for American Heart Association’s Go Red campaign helps fight heart disease and stroke –
the #1 and #3 killers of women in the U.S.
SOUTH BEND, IN. December 2008: The American Heart Association is pleased to announce that Barbie “B” Foundation has committed to be the first ever local Cause Partner of the Michiana Go Red For Women Movement. As Cause Partner, Barbie “B” Foundation leads the way locally in the fight against heart disease and stroke– the number one and number three killers of women in the United States.
The Go Red For Women cause is important to the Barbie “B” Foundation because co-founder Barb Knutson herself suffered a significant stroke on her daughter’s birthday, December 21, 2006. As a respected physical therapist in the South Bend community, Barb knows the value of therapy. She has made great strides in her recovery since then. Soon after her stroke, the Barbie “B” Foundation was developed by the Knutson family. It is focused on individuals under the age 55 and their families. Through Barb’s stroke rehabilitation it became clear to Barb and her family that this is a drastically underserved population.
“We are elated to be a cause partner for the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Movement. The fit with our organization’s vision and mission is perfect for this alliance. If together we can save one life, avoid one stroke or keep one more family intact it is worth the effort,” said Bruce and Barbie Knutson.
“We are excited to work with the Barbie “B” Foundation to promote the 2009 Go Red For Women campaign,” said Laura Guy, American Heart Association Corporate Development Director. “Barb Knutson’s inspirational story reminds us all why we must continue to increase awareness of the risks of heart disease and stroke in women. The Knutson’s passion for the cause and determination to make a difference, create hope in the mission of the American Heart Association.”
To find out more about the Barbie B Foundation, log onto www.barbiebfoundation.org or call 574-291-9636.
Go Red For Women activities include National Wear Red Day on Friday, February 6, 2009 and the Michiana Go Red For Women Luncheon scheduled for April 23, 2009. National Heart Month is February 2009. National Stroke Month is May 2009.
Local Opportunities to Support Movement:
By supporting Go Red For Women, local companies have a unique opportunity to increase awareness regarding the importance of heart health, while encouraging local citizens to take action in order to live longer, stronger lives. Local companies can be an important part of this vital cause through local sponsorship. To learn more about joining the Barbie B Foundation in support of the Go Red For Women movement in 2009, please contact Laura Guy at laura.guy@heart.org.
About Go Red For Women:
Since 2004, Go Red For Women has captured the energy, passion and intelligence of women to work collectively to wipe out heart disease — the No. 1 killer of women in the United States. The American Heart Association wants millions of women across America to take heart disease personally. Using the platform “Love Your Heart,” Go Red For Women engages women and the men who love them to embrace the cause. Healthcare providers, celebrities and politicians also elevate the cause and spread the word about women and heart disease. For more information about Go Red For Women, please call 1-888-MY-HEART (1-888-694-3278) or visit GoRedForWomen.org. The movement is nationally sponsored by Macy’s and Merck & Co., Inc.
About the American Heart Association
Founded in 1924, the American Heart Association today is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to building healthier lives, free of heart disease and stroke. These diseases, America’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers, and all other cardiovascular diseases claim nearly 870,000 lives a year. In fiscal year 2006–07 the association invested more than $554 million in research, professional and public education, advocacy and community service programs to help all Americans live longer, healthier lives. To learn more, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit www.americanheart.org.
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