Philanthropic $3 Million Gift to Boost Women's Cardiovascular Health Initiatives

Cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death among women, surpassing all forms of cancer combined, has been met with a significant philanthropic response. Lee and Valerie Shapiro, known for their dedication to philanthropy and volunteer leadership with the American Heart Association, have donated $3 million. This contribution is set to strengthen the Mother’s Day matching gift campaign and support the Go Red for Women® Venture Fund, which focuses on innovative research and community initiatives aimed at improving women's cardiovascular health.

The Shapiros' commitment to the American Heart Association is deeply personal, rooted in their family's experiences with cardiovascular disease. Their previous initiative, the Millions Honoring Moms campaign launched in 2021, has been instrumental in matching donations made in May, up to $1 million, to fund research and education on women's heart health. This campaign has evolved into a national movement, significantly increasing awareness and inspiring donations in honor of mothers and other significant women in donors' lives.

Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association, commended the Shapiros for their remarkable generosity and dedication to the Association's mission. Their latest donation not only ensures the Mother’s Day matching gift campaign's continuation but also propels the Go Red for Women Venture Fund forward. This fund is pivotal in fostering innovation and improving outcomes in women's cardiovascular health. Lee Shapiro, a venture capitalist, underscored the importance of backing early-stage founders focused on health innovations, pointing to the Venture Fund's critical role in advancing women's health throughout all life stages.

The American Heart Association's initiatives, buoyed by donations like the Shapiros', are essential in tackling the disparities in awareness, diagnosis, and treatment of heart disease in women. With cardiovascular disease responsible for the deaths of 1 in 3 women, the Go Red for Women movement and the Millions Honoring Moms campaign are key in combating this leading cause of mortality. For further details on supporting these efforts, visit https://www.heart.org or https://www.GoRedforWomen.org.