• E-mail
• Print
• Comment
• Font Size
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Discuss article

Professional Football Players Mothers' Association Teams Up with Go Red For Women(R) to Beat the No. 1 Killer of Women

Posted on: Friday, 24 April 2009, 09:10 CDT

NFL Moms Wilma McNabb and Gladys Bettis to Tackle Heart Disease in Women at the 2009 NFL Draft

DALLAS, April 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Go Red For Women(R) is heading to the 2009 NFL Draft to announce its new partnership with the Professional Football Players Mothers' Association (PFPMA). NFL Moms Wilma McNabb, mother of Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb, and Gladys Bettis, mother of Jerome "The Bus" Bettis, will announce the partnership in advance of the 2009 NFL Draft on Friday, April 24 at national sponsor and leading fundraiser, Macy's Herald Square store in New York City. The PFPMA has joined forces with Go Red For Women to raise awareness of heart disease, the No. 1 killer of women in the U.S.

"As a retired R.N., I understand the severity of heart disease, which is why I'm excited that the PFPMA is joining Go Red For Women," said Wilma McNabb. "Together as mothers of NFL Players, we are able to lend a voice to a very worthy cause."

Gladys Bettis can speak from the heart on the subject of women and heart disease. After having heart surgery, she and her son are deeply dedicated to encouraging women to make the right personal choices to protect their hearts.

"My participation in this partnership gives me the opportunity to help women learn what I experienced the hard way," said Gladys Bettis. "As mothers, women often take care of the whole family, but don't make the time to protect their own hearts. Heart disease is largely preventable, but only if we choose to act."

"After losing my dad to a heart attack and seeing my mom struggle with heart surgery, I'm so proud that my mom and I can support the American Heart Association and PFPMA partnership," said Jerome Bettis. "Being more aware and knowing my family history provides me with the knowledge and the tools to better care for my health and the health of my family."

Although it is largely preventable, cardiovascular disease kills more than 450,000 women each year, about one per minute. Other alarming heart health statistics include:

• More women die of cardiovascular disease than the next five causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer.
• Only 1 in 5 women believe that heart disease is her greatest health threat.
• Sixty-four percent of women who die suddenly of coronary heart disease have no previous symptoms.

Partnership Announcement Information

Wilma McNabb, Gladys Bettis and the PFPMA will announce their partnership with Go Red For Women on Friday, April 24th at Macy's Herald Square in New York City.

Location: Macy's Herald Square (press check-in at 151 West 34th Street New York, NY)

Date: Friday, April 24th

Time: 9:15 a.m. EDT (press check-in at 8:45)

The announcement event will include the presentation of Go Red gift bags to newly drafted NFL Moms and a display of Macy's red dress fashions. Macy's is a national sponsor of Go Red For Women and has raised more than $18 million for the cause.

For more information about Go Red For Women or the PFPMA please visit www.GoRedForWomen.org or www.pfpma.org.

Go Red For Women is nationally sponsored by Macy's and Merck & Co., Inc.

About Go Red For Women

Go Red For Women is the American Heart Association's solution to save women's lives. With one out of three women still dying from heart disease, we are committed to fighting this No. 1 killer that is largely preventable. GoRedForWomen.org, a premiere source of information and education, connects millions of women of all ages and gives them tangible resources to turn personal choices into life-saving actions. We encourage women and the men who love them to embrace the cause. For more information please visit GoRedForWomen.org or call 1-888-MY-HEART (1-888-694-3278). The movement is nationally sponsored by Macy's and Merck & Co., Inc.

About the American Heart Association

Founded in 1924, we're the nation's oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to building healthier lives, free of heart disease and stroke. To help prevent, treat and defeat these diseases - America's No. 1 and No. 3 killers - we fund cutting-edge research, conduct lifesaving public and professional educational programs, and advocate to protect public health. To learn more or join us in helping all Americans, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit americanheart.org.

Accredited Media Inquiries Only: Megan Lozito, American Heart Association 214-706-1359; Megan.Lozito@heart.org CJ Jordan, CJ Jordan Public Relations 202-489-7864; egpearl@yahoo.com Note: Vendor or solicitation calls will not be returned Consumer Inquiries: The American Heart Association 1-800-AHA-USA1; or visit americanheart.org

SOURCE American Heart Association

Source: PR Newswire

More News in this Category