Chapter VI: BBF’s Affiliation with AHA

Dear Friends of the BBF:

Happy New Year!  We hope that 2009 is healthy & prosperous for you and yours.

What a wonderfully crazy start the BARBIE “B” has had. As stated, on many occasions “the BBF website has taken on a life of its own.” This is primarily because of our newly announced cause partnership with the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement. As a cause partner, the BBF has agreed to assist in fundraising efforts and be a stroke spokesperson for the AHA.

Since the news release in November 2008 we have been overwhelmed with the public response. All donations to the BBF will go to the American Heart Association AHA for wellness, education, research and advocacy. The BBF remains a private entity that assists stroke victims and their families by relating our stroke experience and information that they may find of value.

In our opinion, there is no better nonprofit (501c3) organization than the American Heart Association to help save lives. The BBF has no affiliation with the American Heart Association’s 501c3 charitable entity, nor does the BBF receive any donated funds.

In our wildest dreams, we never thought we would be able to obtain such a platform to communicate our message of wellness for stroke victims and their families. It is because of your faith and support that we are able to announce this news.

Thank you and God Bless.

Sincerely,

 

American Heart Association and BARBIE “B” & FRIENDS Collaborate on Stroke Awareness in Michiana

Support for American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign helps fight heart disease and stroke – the No. 1 and No. 5 killers of women in the U.S.

SOUTH BEND, IND., May 2019 - The American Heart Association is pleased to work with the Barbie “B” & Friends to raise awareness about stroke as a stroke advocate of the Michiana Go Red for Women movement. As a stroke advocate, Barbie “B” & Friends leads the way locally in the fight against heart disease and stroke – the Nos. 1 and 5 killers of women in the United States respectively.

The Go Red for Women cause is important to Barbie “B” & Friends because co-founder Barb Knutson suffered a significant stroke on her daughter’s birthday, Dec. 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, Barbie “B” & Friends was developed by the Knutson family. It is focused on assisting stroke victims 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 stroke advocate for the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement,” said Bruce and Barbie Knutson. “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.”

“We are grateful to have had the support of Barbie “B” & Friends since 2008, raising awareness about stroke and about the Go Red for Women campaign,” said Diane Kemp, regional vice president of development for the American Heart Association. “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 Barbie “B” & Friends, log onto www.BBForg.org or call 574-313-2149. Go Red for Women activities include National Wear Red Day on the first Friday of February and two Go Red for Women luncheons (www.heart.org/michianagoesred). February is American Heart Month, and May is American Stroke Month.

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, healthier lives. Local companies can be an important part of this vital cause through local sponsorship. To learn more about joining Barbie “B” & Friends in support of the Go Red For Women movement, please visit www.heart.org/michianagoesred.

About Go Red For Women

The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® movement is the trusted, passionate, relevant force for change to end heart disease and stroke in women all over the world. While nearly 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 women. For 15 years, Go Red for Women has provided a platform for women to come together, raise awareness, fund lifesaving research, advocate for change and improve the lives of all women everywhere. The American Heart Association's Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, with additional support from national cause supporters. Connect with us on GoRedforWomen.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-888-MY-HEART (1- 888-694-3278).

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a leading force for a world of longer, healthier lives. With nearly a century of lifesaving work, the Dallas-based association is dedicated to ensuring equitable health for all. We are a trustworthy source empowering people to improve their heart health, brain health and well-being. We collaborate with numerous organizations and millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, advocate for stronger public health policies, and share lifesaving resources and information. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.