Buffalo changemakers join effort to eliminate cardiovascular disease

American Heart Association’s Woman of Impact, Teen of Impact nominees champion heart health through fundraising and philanthropy

American Heart Association press release & photos 

More than 60% of U.S. adults will have cardiovascular disease (CVD) by 2050 according to recent data. To kick off American Heart Month this February, four woman and teen leaders in Buffalo are joining the American Heart Association to overcome the No. 1 health threat: cardiovascular disease.

By age 18, many adolescents have already developed heart disease risk factors, such as high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol or Type 2 diabetes, and a growing number of younger adults are experiencing adverse cardiovascular events. That’s why one Buffalo teen is participating in the American Heart Association’s Teen of Impact campaign, a nine-week competition that challenges nominated teens to lead with purpose and create meaningful change in their communities. Nominees will compete to build a healthier community by spreading education on heart and brain health while raising critical funds that help in the fight against CVD.

The Heart Association’s Woman of Impact program is rallying three local changemakers through the Go Red for Women movement to improve women’s heart health, address clinical care gaps and raise funds for cardiovascular research and education. Nearly 45% of women over the age of 20 are living with some form of CVD. Woman of Impact nominees will raise funds and awareness to improve women’s heart health and address clinical care gaps.

“When we come together, we are stronger than the leading cause of death: cardiovascular disease,” said Megan Vargulick, executive director of the American Heart Association Buffalo. “Each of the teens and women participating will use their time, talent and influence to educate the community about their risk, encourage them to take action to improve their health, and raise critical funds to continue the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association.”

The Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact nationwide initiatives launched on National Wear Red Day, Friday, Feb. 6, in cities across the country. Hundreds of nominees will embark on a nine-week competition to help transform heart health. Each week, nominees and their team members participate in activities designed to create a culture of wellness. Activities may include learning CPR and sharing the importance of getting active, recruiting friends and family to participate in research or advocacy and more.

Images courtesy of the American Heart Association

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Buffalo’s 2026 Woman of Impact Nominees are:

√ Joanne Matos, heart and stroke survivor

√ Clarissa Rias, owner, Clarissa Rias Digital Marketing Group

√ Rachael Rush, account executive, Spectrum

Buffalo’s 2026 Teen of Impact Nominee is:

√ Mia Schroeder, Niagara Wheatfield High School

After nine weeks of driving impact, the competition will culminate April 9. The nominee from each campaign who raises the most lifesaving funds will be named the Buffalo 2026 Woman of Impact winner and Buffalo 2026 Teen of Impact winner. In addition to local market winners, the woman and teen nominee who raised the most nationwide will be named the National Woman of Impact winner and Teen of Impact winner.

To learn more about the American Heart Association’s work in Buffalo, visit www.Heart.org/GoRedBuffalo.

More about the American Heart Association: The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than 100 years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

The American Heart Association’s signature initiative, Go Red for Women, is a comprehensive platform designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. While the majority 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 more than two decades, Go Red for Women has encouraged awareness. The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power of women to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them tools they need to lead a heart healthy life. For more information, visit GoRedforWomen.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721).