Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death among women, surpassing all forms of cancer combined, according to the American Heart Association. A significant stride towards combating this issue comes from a $3 million donation by Lee and Valerie Shapiro, dedicated philanthropists and volunteers. This generous contribution is set to bolster the Association's Mother’s Day matching gift campaign and the Go Red for Women® Venture Fund, focusing on innovative research and community initiatives to improve women's cardiovascular health.
The Shapiros' personal connection to the cause stems from their family's history with cardiovascular disease, motivating their commitment to advancing treatment and awareness. Their previous involvement in the Millions Honoring Moms campaign, which matches donations made in May up to $1 million, has already made a substantial impact. The campaign addresses the critical gap in awareness and representation of women, especially women of color, in cardiovascular research.
Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association, praised the Shapiros for their extraordinary generosity and leadership, highlighting the potential of their latest gift to transform women's heart health. The donation will not only extend the matching gift initiative but also support the Go Red for Women Venture Fund in pioneering solutions for cardiovascular care. Lee Shapiro, a venture capitalist, emphasized the importance of investing in early-stage innovations to improve health outcomes, aligning with the fund's mission to enhance women's health across all life stages.
For more information on the American Heart Association's efforts and how to contribute, visit https://www.heart.org.
