Circle of Red promotes heart health

When Karen Gritton decided to form Circle of Red, she hoped for five members.

A program of the American Heart Association, Circle of Red raises funds for programs that support Go Red for Women events. This year’s event will be held Friday, Feb. 3 in Dover.

The Circle of Red now has 13 members from Kent and Sussex counties, said Gritton, American Heart Association special events director for Delaware.

“Circle of Red is a national initiative,” she said, adding the new Delaware group now has more members than Circle of Red groups in other states.

The American Heart Association has the goal of reducing both the incidence of heart disease and deaths from heart disease by 20 percent by 2020.

“We are reaching out to the African-American and Hispanic communities to make that mission happen,” Gritton said. “We realize we need to get the word out about early screenings to these communities or we won’t reach our goal.”

Gritton said the Circle of Red members will take on that challenge and more during 2012.

Louisa Phillips of Bayhealth in Milford serves as the chairwoman for Circle of Red.

“Part of the success of any group is finding a passionate leader … and I found the most passionate chairwoman in Louisa Phillips,” Gritton said. “The fact we now have more members than other Circle of Red groups in larger states means that passion is alive here.”

Each member of the Circle of Red group commits to donating $1,000 annually to Go Red events and heart initiatives. The members serve as community leaders to spread the word about the importance of healthy lifestyles.

“Our focus is promoting women’s heart health,” said Gritton.

Gritton hopes to expand the reach of Go Red through the Circle of Red, by adding new events and fundraisers in the region.

Each Circle of Red member is presented with a Pandora bracelet and custom-made heart health bead when they join. Each year a new custom bead will be added to the charm bracelet, Gritton said.

This spring Circle of Red members will spread the word about heart screenings, speaking to legislators and working as advocates for the heart association.

Passion for heart health

Donna Streletzky, vice president of operations for Beebe Medical Center in Lewes, said she joined Circle of Red for both personal and professional reasons.

"As vice president of operations, we know heart disease is the nation's No. 1 issue, so I wanted to support the eradication of heart disease, especially in women," Streletzky said. "Personally, I had a sister born with a congenital heart defect. If it weren't for lifesaving techniques when she was 27 months, she wouldn't have lived for 35 years."

"She died eight years ago, and I miss her every day."

Streletzky hopes research through the American Heart Association can make sure someone born today with the same defect her sister had would live a full life.

"This is really important, and I hope the community comes out to support it," she said.

Annual event draws crowd

Go Red for Women, now in its ninth year in Delaware, takes place Friday, Feb. 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sheraton Dover Hotel. Each year the luncheon, fashion show and health fair draw more than 500 women from across the state to support heart initiatives in both counties.

Each September, Beebe Medical Center Ladies Auxiliary puts on a Go Red event with its signature fashion show. The money raised goes to Go Red during the annual state event in February.

This year the Go Red health fair will take place from 10 a.m. to noon with free health screenings for cholesterol, blood pressure and more.

At noon, the luncheon and silent auction will begin, followed by the keynote speaker, Dr. Robin Williams. The presentation will also include a survivor’s story, check donations and the annual fashion show. The day will end with the special announcement of new pageant, which will also support Go Red and heart health promotions in the state.

Ticket sales for the event end Tuesday, Jan. 31 at midnight.

To purchase a ticket today, go to heart.org/southerndegoredluncheon or call 877-750-4276. All seating must be reserved before the event. Tickets are $35 per person.

To become a member of the Circle of Red, call Gritton at 302-286-5705.

Circle of Red members

Louisa Phillips – Chairwoman

Marianne Foard

Ann Keane

Heidi LeGates

Debra Baich Pietlock

Donna Streletzky

Pam Marecki

Pamela Onusko-Robichaud

Nancy Onusko

Dolly Thornton

Rene Costleigh

Bonnie Perratto

Dr. Robin Williams