Go Red For Women - 2025

By Voice Tribune • Photos By Antonio Pantoja

There’s a strength in every heartbeat, and at the Go Red for Women Luncheon, we come together as a community to honor that strength and help protect it. It lives in the quiet moments, through long nights in hospital rooms, in the steady support of family, and in the simple decision to keep moving forward, even when things feel uncertain. The Go Red for Women Luncheon is a time to recognize those moments and to honor the people who have faced life-changing diagnoses with courage, care, and love. 

The stories behind this day are not always loud, but they are powerful. They are filled with real people (parents, partners, children) who’ve adjusted to a new way of living, who’ve found hope in hard times, and who’ve leaned on one another when it mattered most. These are the everyday victories, a step taken, a meal shared, a laugh after a long stretch of worry. 

This event acknowledges the heart in every sense of the word. When you attend the luncheon, you’re not just taking a seat, you’re taking a stand. You’re helping fund life-saving research, education, and support for women and families navigating the unthinkable. You’re saying that every story matters, and every heart deserves to be heard, protected, and cared for. Please join us in making a difference and creating a future where fewer families have to face these challenges alone. Your presence means more than you know. 

RC COFFMAN

BOUTIQUE: MAMILI

At 43, I experienced a sudden aortic dissection that led to emergency open-heart surgery and a mechanical valve replacement. I’d spent 15 years as a firefighter and EMT, and none of my symptoms matched anything I’d seen before. It was surreal—especially since my brother-in-law had passed from the same thing just weeks earlier.

The recovery took more out of me than I expected. I was in top shape before it happened, and I lost a lot of muscle during my hospital stay. Building that back has been a slow climb. I tire more easily now and had to adjust to a new routine, from medications to modifying my more adventurous habits—mountaineering, snowboarding, and long backpacking trips are on pause, for now.

What’s kept me going is love. My friends showed up in ways I’ll never forget. They raised funds, decorated my house for Christmas, and even made sure my daughter had gifts under the tree. I came home to warmth, care, and community.  

MEADOW BOES (PICTURED WITH HER MOTHER SARAH BOES)

BOUTIQUE: BUTTONS BOWS & BRITCHES

When we found out at 36 weeks pregnant that Meadow would be born with four complex congenital heart defects, we were overwhelmedand heartbroken. We had to let go of all the expectat ions we had for our first child’s birth and prepare instead for open-heart surgery, months in the hospital, and a future full of unknowns. 

Her first surgery went well, but her second had complications we weren’t ready for. What was supposed to be a two-week stay turned into nearly two months. We spent her first Christmas in the cardiac ICU, grieving the “firsts” we didn’t get. 

But Meadow’s resilience is nothing short of extraordinary. Today, she’s a bright, curious toddler. We still live with uncertainty—each cardiology appointment could mean another surgery—but we’ve learned to live with more intention and gratitude. 

My husband has been my constant. Together, we advocate for Meadow every day. Advocacy work has helped me turn grief into purpose, fighting for awareness and change in the CHD community.

If you’re walking a similar road, trust yourself. Grieve the story you expected—and celebrate the beauty of the one you’re living. 

LINNEA KESSANS

BOUTIQUE: TRUNK & HUTCH

I was 34 when I had a SCAD heart attack—something I’d never heard of until it happened to me. It was terrifying. I felt confused, angry, and like I couldn’t trust my body anymore. But over time, my perspective shifted. I now consider that moment a gift—my second chance at life. 

That heart attack forced me to slow down, to heal, and to live more intentionally. I’ve always been a risk taker, but now I move through life with a deeper sense of purpose and passion. I exercise, meditate, eat well, and check in with myself often. Physically, I’m 100% recovered. Emotionally, I’ve done the work too—I’m currently in therapy for PTSD and learning how to care for every part of myself.

Ten years later, I feel strong, grounded, and more connected to who I truly am. SCAD didn’t just change my life—it gave me the clarity to live it fully. 

If you’re going through something scary and unknown, trust your intuition. Your body is speaking to you. And even when things feel broken, there’s still so much beauty ahead. 

LAUREN WEBER

BOUTIQUE: CUTE LITTLE SHOP

I was 10 when I was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect—bicuspid aortic valve with a dilated ascending aorta. I remember feeling scared and heartbroken, convinced there would be so much in life I wouldn’t be able to do. And in some ways, that’s been true. My condition has affected every decision I’ve made and every part of my future.

But with time—and a lot of determination—I’ve learned to live fully. Two years after surgery, everything changed. I’m now healthier, happier, and more confident than I’ve ever been. I exercise regularly, eat well, haven’t had alcohol in years, and I’ve found peace in my own skin. 

A strong support system has been crucial, and my husband has been by my side through every challenge. When I was told I had one year to try for a baby before my heart could no longer handle it, he asked me to marry him. His love and support have helped me keep going. 

To anyone going through something similar: trust your body, accept help, and remember that you’re not alone. A good support system can make all the difference. 

MARGARET SPEED CHANDLER

BOUTIQUE: GLASSCOCK TOO

When I was first diagnosed with Mitral Valve Prolapse in July 2024, I was scared to death. I felt completely alone, isolated, and unsure of what was ahead. I thought recovery would be simple—just follow the instructionsand heal. But that wasn’t my reality.

After being discharged, I lost my memory and was readmitted to the hospital, where they found I’d suffered a brain bleed and mini-strokes. Recovery since then hasn’t been easy. I’ve struggled with low blood pressure, dizziness, and falling. There are still days I’m short of breath and tired. Adjusting medications and rebuilding strength has taken time. 

What’s kept me going is my team of doctors. They’ve stood by me and helped me through every setback. Living alone, I’ve had to rely on inner strength and stay focused on healing. 

When I was first diagnosed, I felt dizzy, exhausted, and completely overwhelmed. Now, nearly a year later, I’m still healing—but learning to trust and listen to my body, one day at a time. 

IFUNANYA (IFY) WHITFILL

BOUTIQUE: RODEO DRIVE

When I had an ischemic stroke at 33, I felt completely alone. I never imagined something like this could happen to me—let alone at such a young age. My recovery was quiet, even lonely. I didn’t focus much on it—I just did the best I could.

Over time, I realized how important mindset is. I began focusing on my mental health and making changes that genuinely benefit me. I exercise regularly, eat healthy, and try to live intentionally. It’s created a deep awareness, not just for my own health, but for others with traumatic brain injuries or silent conditions. 

My biggest advice? Take care of yourself. Give yourself grace. It’s okay to be high functioning and still need help. It’s okay to not carry survivor’s guilt. You can be someone’s hope and inspiration—just by being yourself. 

Ten years later, I feel confident, supported, and truly happy. I’ve found resources, made meaningful changes, and most of all, I keep choosing to heal. 

QUIN HEUKE

(PICTURED WITH HIS MOTHER MADELINE “MADDIE” HEUKE)

BOUTIQUE: BUTTONS BOWS & BRITCHES

When Quin was diagnosed with coarctation of the aorta at just one day old, we were in complete shock. I remember feeling overwhelmed—he was so tiny, and everything was so uncertain. But from the beginning, we knew we were in good hands, and that gave us hope. His recovery has been better than we could have imagined. Now, at three years old, he only needs to see a cardiologist every two years.

This journey taught our family not to take anything for granted. It changed the way we live— we focus on joy, movement, and living as stress-free as we can. Staying educated helped us stay grounded through it all. 

My biggest advice to others is simple: be grateful. Life is too short not to be. Watching Quin thrive today reminds me every day how strong he is—and how lucky we are. My husband and I have been his biggest cheerleaders, and we always will be. 

KATIE BROOKS

BOUTIQUE: HAIR LA FLAIR

I was 35 when I had my stroke. At that moment, I felt afraid—unsure of what life would look like moving forward. But what surprised me most was discovering a strength I didn’t know I had.

Throughout this journey, my children have been my motivation. My son, Kevon, became the head of the household at just 17, stepping in as my caregiver with so much love and responsibility. My daughters, Kiss and Kasey,have been my light and inspiration every single day. We’ve come a long way, and the marathon continues. 

This experience brought our family closer than ever. We support each other more deeply, and I’ve learned to be intentional—about my health, my choices, and my mindset. I eat better, stay active, and focus on mental wellness every day.

To anyone walking a similar path: you never know how strong you are until you have no choice. Lean on your faith in God and yourself—you’re more powerful than you think.

Thank you to my family and friends for all of their love and support. We’ve come so far, and I’m stronger and more confident than ever.