Having heart-to-heart conversations with friends is how Mercer Island resident Lee Crain stepped into her critical fundraising role for the American Heart Association (AHA) and displayed her passionate support of the Go Red for Women initiative.

Beginning on Feb. 3 — National Wear Red Day to signify American Heart Month — and culminating on April 6, Crain and her eight teammates participated in the nationwide Women of Impact campaign. They raised $63,764 during the women’s heart health education drive and competition and Crain notched the 2023 Puget Sound Woman of Impact Award for leading her team along the way.

“While the majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 women. For 19 years, Go Red for Women has encouraged awareness,” according to the AHA.

On receiving the award, Crain said: “I’m very happy about it and very appreciative. When they reached out to me about it (the nomination), I was really surprised and honored.”

Crain, who has resided on the Island for 16 years, said that it’s been a learning experience being involved in the campaign and the Go Red for Women movement, which is aimed at reducing women’s risk for heart disease and stroke.

When she rounded up her teammates — Islanders, family members and others in the region — they reached out to friends and engaged in those vital informative conversations regarding women’s heart health. The responses and support from those receiving the calls was amazing, Crain said.

“I don’t know many families who haven’t had someone in their family who has had cardiovascular disease. And that encompasses a lot of things, that’s stroke, heart disease. My family, like many families, are impacted by cardiovascular disease,” Crain said.

Along with the astonishing statistics and personal reason to delve into heart health, another reason to raise awareness was when Crain was stunned to hear that women are less likely to receive bystander CPR than men. According to a AHA Hands-Only CPR survey, respondents cited a fear of hurting someone, facing legal consequences and lack of training or knowledge as reasons for not performing CPR. Recently, Crain spoke at an Island National League of Young Men meeting and had the attendees learn CPR on manikins supplied by the AHA.

Crain said that she experienced an impactful nine weeks of heart health awareness with her teammates during the campaign, and she’s not stopping anytime soon. She’s more committed than ever to continue AHA’s mission.

“I really believe in the message that people need to know on this. I’m not a one-hit wonder on this. I’m in awe of what they’re doing, truthfully, and I want to continue to get the word out,” said Crain, who will chair AHA Puget Sound’s Circle of Red program for the next year.

“With advocates like Lee and our other Woman of Impact nominees leading the way, the Puget Sound is stronger and our future is brighter,” said Whitney Meidl, executive director of the AHA Puget Sound, which joined the campaign for the first time in 2023.

Accompanying Crain on her fundraising team were: Morgan Busey, Betty Busey, Megan Hand, Julie Cahill, JP Deenihan, Tricia Curran, Elizabeth Bono and Sara Sheskey.

Islander Hand, who was also a donor to the campaign, said that Crain was convincing and inspirational in bringing her on board.

“When I learned that heart disease is the Number 1 killer of women (by a lot), I had an ah-ha moment. Raising awareness about women’s heart health care has now become a mission for me and I will continue to support the American Heart Association of Puget Sound by being a part of their Circle of Red,” Hand said.

Another Islander and major donor, Missy Johnson, supported Crain’s campaign because her friend brings passion, an educated background and a personal experience to the philanthropic cause.

“It means more to me to know that someone who has a stake in the fight will fight for it whatever it may be. That’s how things get done,” Johnson said. “I am truly happy to support Lee as an ambassador of this campaign and know she will continue to fight this fight for women with heart disease and education around it.”