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GREENSBORO — The American Heart Association announced Lewisville’s Evelyn Perrott as the Teen of Impact winner in the Triad’s Go Red for Women awards. Trish Davis was recognized as the Woman of Impact winner.

These two Go Red for Woman initiatives support the American Heart Association’s mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives with a specific focus on helping women fight and prevent heart disease and stroke, a release from the organization said.

Heart attacks are on the rise daily in younger populations.

“So many teens think “it can’t happen to me, but the reality is heart disease and stroke can affect anyone, at any age,” Perrott said.  “With teens limited access to healthy, nutritious foods and stress from schoolwork, sports, clubs and everyday to-do lists, it’s no wonder so many teens have trouble staying well and putting their health first. But when united, we can change that.”

Davis was recognized for her work to raise funds and spread awareness in the fight against heart disease and stroke in women. In the United States, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming the lives of more women than all cancers combined.

Davis survived a major heart attack in 2018 at the young age of 53. With a 100 percent blockage, time was critical to save her life.

“Taking part in the Woman of Impact campaign was personal for me because I am a survivor, I want others to have a platform where they can find out about this devastating disease and learn ways to combat this disease if not eradicate it,” Davis said.

Over the course of nine-weeks, Davis, along with a team of family, friends and colleagues, competed for the Woman of Impact title by participating in various community awareness and fundraising activities. After raising critical funds and driving women’s health education initiatives, Davis was named this year’s winner.

“I am honored to have received this recognition, but most importantly I am so proud of what we as women in Triad have accomplished together to support the future of women’s heart health,” Davis said.

Women naturally experience unique life stages that increase their risk of developing cardiovascular disease over the course of their lifetime. While the large majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease continues to be a woman’s greatest health threat, as nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of CVD.

The Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact campaign launched in more than 100 cities on National Wear Red Day, Feb. 2.

Other Triad Women of Impact nominees included:

• Alexandra Gatter
• Courtney Pierce
• Erika Hendrix
• Frann Paige
• Hope Newkirk
• Kristen Wingeier
• Lorae Parker
• Marci Nash Williams
• Paulina Steele

Other Triad Teen of Impact nominees included:

• Allie Marin
• Grayson Willis
• Katherine Ramirez

“We are so grateful to Trish Davis and Evelyn Perrott, and all of our nominees for their work elevating the Go Red for Women message and raising critical funds in support of our local mission,” said Christine Jolly, executive director of the American Heart Association in the Triad.

The Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact campaign is part of the American Heart Association’s signature Go Red for Women’s movement, a comprehensive platform designed more than two decades ago to increase heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve lives, globally.

To learn more about the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement in Triad, go to www.heart.org/triadgored.