Go Red For Women 2026
- Information VOICE_TRIBUNE
- 16 minutes ago
- 6 min read
By VOICE-TRIBUNE • Photos By Antonio Pantoja
Every year, the Go Red for Women Luncheon brings together people who care deeply about Kentuckiana and the health of our neighbors. This year’s cohort of survivors come from different backgrounds and industries, but they share a common thread. They show up for others, lead with compassion, and use their platforms to make a real difference.
In the following pages, you’ll meet the community leaders being recognized at this year's Kentuckiana Go Red for Women Luncheon. Alongside their portraits, we’re sharing pieces of their personal stories, the experiences that changed them, and the work they continue to do across Louisville and beyond.
The luncheon supports the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women initiative, which raises awareness about heart disease and stroke in women while funding education, research, and advocacy efforts. It is also a chance for survivors, families, healthcare professionals, and local leaders to come together for an afternoon of conversation, connection, and support.
This year’s event will take place on June 10, 2026, at the Muhammad Ali Center. Whether you attend every year or are learning about the luncheon for the first time, we invite you to be part of it.
Robin White Chism:
When Robin White Chism experienced a stroke in May 2017, it was something she never imagined could happen to her. At 50 years old, she, like many people, believed stroke was an older person’s problem. The reality of her diagnosis left her feeling very scared and lost, unsure of what life would look like moving forward.
Recovery was hard work, both physically and emotionally, but it became one of the most eye opening experiences of her life. Progress did not happen overnight, yet every small victory reinforced her strength and resilience. Finding community and connecting with others who understood her journey helped her navigate the challenges and reminded her she was not alone.
The experience brought significant changes to Robin’s life and her family’s life. Many adjustments had to be made, and through it all, her marriage grew stronger. She credits her spouse, her aunt, and her late mother as her greatest sources of support. They were there for everything, offering encouragement, patience, and unconditional love during every step of her recovery.
Today, Robin is intentional about making heart healthy choices. She knows her numbers and takes her medications regularly, understanding how vital those steps are to her long term health. Her advice to others is simple but powerful. Know your numbers. A stroke can happen at any age, and awareness can truly save lives.
Sandy Juliot:
When Sandy Juliot underwent mitral valve repair through open heart surgery in March of 2013, she was just 39 years old and facing an uncertain future. Leaving her three young children behind while traveling for surgery was one of the hardest parts. Sandy remembers feeling scared, anxious, and vulnerable, caught between fear and hope as she prayed the procedure would allow her to return home healthy for her family.
Although she believed the surgery would resolve her heart issues, her journey continued. In the years that followed, Sandy developed atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter, leading to a cardiac ablation in August 2025 at age 52. Facing another procedure and recovery was discouraging, but it also helped her gain a deeper understanding of her heart and her overall health.
Recovery has brought a positive shift in Sandy’s life. She is now more mindful of how her daily choices affect her physically, mentally, and spiritually. Her faith has provided strength during difficult moments and has helped her remain hopeful and grounded throughout her journey.
This experience has also impacted her family, bringing them closer together through shared challenges. Sandy credits her husband Matt and her children Sydney, Madeline, and Wyatt for standing by her side through every surgery, appointment, and recovery.
Today, Sandy feels stronger and more resilient. Her message to others is to listen to your body, speak up for your health, and trust that hope can grow even through uncertainty.
Jahree’ Rager:
When Jahree’ Rager was diagnosed with a right subclavian artery anomaly at the end of 2018, surgery was not optional. As a mother of young children, the fear was overwhelming. She remembers lying awake wondering if she would make it through, but she also knew she had no choice. “I had young children, so I knew I had to survive,” she says.
Years later, Jahree’ began experiencing symptoms again. Although she was told by some doctors that nothing was wrong, she knew her body was telling a different story. Trusting her instincts and continuing to advocate for herself led to life changing answers. In 2023, an aneurysm connected to her initial surgery was discovered, and she underwent a thoracotomy to repair it and rebuild the aortic bridge. The surgery saved her life, but the recovery was far longer and harder than she expected.
As a mom, true rest was difficult. Jahree’ pushed herself before learning that healing required patience. She now lives with ongoing challenges, yet she carries deep gratitude for the gift of life. The experience deeply strengthened her family’s bond, reminding them to savor every moment together.
Supported by her husband Byron and her friend Tiffany, Jahree’ found strength through faith and perseverance. Once ruled by fear, she now lives empowered. Her message to others is simple and powerful. “Always listen to what your body is trying to tell you. You are your best advocate.”
Russel Jane ‘Elle’ Fulkerson (baby) & Clancy Fulkerson (mom)
Russel Jane “Elle” Fulkerson was diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot on December 5, 2024, just one day after she was born. For her parents, Clancy and Benjamin Fulkerson, becoming first time parents came with an unexpected and overwhelming fear. Hearing that their perfect baby had a rare heart defect shifted their world in an instant. After the initial shock, they moved into action with determination, focusing every day on getting Elle strong enough for repair and celebrating each small victory along the way.
Elle’s journey unfolded in the best way her family could have hoped. She received excellent care, experienced no major complications, and showed incredible strength from the very beginning. Still, watching a four month old endure pain she could not understand was heartbreaking. Her parents immersed themselves in learning and leaned on a support system that could walk alongside them through the medical uncertainty. “This was a chapter that will always be part of her,” Clancy says, “but it will never be her whole story.”
Recovery meant finding a new normal. Transitioning from constant monitoring to everyday life was both scary and fulfilling. Today, Elle is thriving, laughing, and experiencing life beyond hospital walls. Her family is more grateful, patient, and aware than ever before.
One year later, overwhelmed has turned into purpose, and this family is ready to give back, inspired by a tiny survivor with an extraordinary heart.
Lauren and Lilly Newcomb (mom and daughter):
Lauren Newcomb never imagined that both she and her daughter would become heart survivors within the first years of motherhood. Just days after giving birth, Lauren was diagnosed with postpartum preeclampsia, a life-threatening condition she did not know could occur after delivery. What began as excitement about going home quickly turned into fear as she was rehospitalized for intensive treatment. Exhausted and overwhelmed, she faced a serious health crisis while caring for a newborn.
As Lauren worked toward recovery and regained stability, the family began settling into life with their daughter Lilly. Then came another unexpected turn. At just 18 months old, Lilly was diagnosed with an atrial septal defect, a congenital heart condition that would require open heart surgery. Hearing that their happy, curious toddler needed major surgery brought a wave of fear and uncertainty back into their lives.
Lilly’s recovery was nothing short of remarkable. Each small milestone after surgery felt monumental, and within a short time she was back to running, laughing, and thriving. Today, she is off medication and continues to be followed by her cardiology team as she grows, living a joyful and active childhood her family never takes for granted.
These experiences reshaped how the Newcomb family views health, awareness, and gratitude. “This journey taught us how fragile health can be,” Lauren says, “and how powerful early care and community truly are.” Together, their story is a reminder that heart health matters at every stage of life and that hope can grow even through uncertainty.