Red H.E.A.R.R.T (Help, Education and Reduce Risk Today) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and overall well-being of women, children and teens that are at risk for or have heart disease. Although the primary focus is for women, men are also included because every individual’s health within a family unit impacts the well-being and quality of life of the other. The goal of Red H.E.A.R.R.T. is to connect, educate, engage, and empower others to take action to reduce risk, live a healthy lifestyle, and have fun while doing it.

Cheryl Lindsay founded this initiative in 2010 with a small Heart Health Fair and has since expanded the program to include all ages. Cheryl said, “In 2022, we will be celebrating twelve years of milestones by providing educational information, empowering remarks, and prayer. Our milestones include over a decade of Heart and ZUMBA initiatives; six years of the Women’s Red Bottom Shoe Wellness Fair and Luncheon; five years of the Men’s Red Bow-Tie Shoe Wellness Fair and Luncheon; and four years of the Red Heart and Pink Breast Cancer Health Panel and Empowerment affair.” Cheryl further shared, “Red H.E.A.R.R.T. has brought awareness to approximately 40,000 individuals through these events and we have even been recognized with two Guinness World Records in the process.”

The Red H.E.A.R.R.T. initiative has established partnerships over the years with Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools, Mayor Allen Joines, the City of Winston-Salem, Novant Health, and more. Cheryl said, “I strongly believe that knowledge is power. And that, with education and awareness of the issues, individuals are equipped and empowered to make informed decisions and move towards a heart-healthy lifestyle.”

Cheryl has a very impressive resume. She has been employed by Hanesbrands (formerly Sara Lee) for thirty years. Her current position is Director of Global Diversity and Community Relations. She holds a Master of Business Administration from Columbus University and a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a concentration in Human Resources from NC State University. Cheryl has furthered her education as well, gaining certifications in Human Resources Project Management, Diversity, and People Analytics. She also has a very long list of professional affiliations and memberships. On a personal note, Cheryl is the daughter of the late Gail W. Lindsay and James Lindsay Jr., and the proud mother of two boys, Brandon and Bryson Christmas.

Cheryl said that Gail Lindsay, her mother, served as her inspiration for this non-profit. She shared that Gail was a tenacious entrepreneur and leader that had a heart of love and a spirit of giving. She had an active agenda of community involvement and service through her affiliations with many local organizations. Gail lost her life way too soon due to heart disease. Cheryl wanted to honor her legacy and impact the lives of others by launching this initiative.

Heart disease is the number one killer of both women and men and people from most racial and ethnic groups in the United States. The organization’s vision is to have a world largely free from heart disease. Cheryl said, “While we understand that this may not come to fruition within our lifetime, we know and believe that heart disease is 80% preventable and our impact will make a difference.”

The Red H.E.A.R.R.T. Initiative has several upcoming events this month:

• February 1, 2022 – Virtual Get Moving (ZUMBA, Line Dancing, Boot Camp, & more) Heart Health Awareness Event from 6 pm – 7:30 pm, to kick off Heart Health Month. It’s free and open to the public.
• February 5, 2022 – Red Bottom Shoes Wellness Affair for her and a Red Bow-Tie Wellness affair for him at the Benton Convention Center. This event is designed to educate participants on heart health issues and preventative solutions while providing dietary and physical exercise tips, empowerment, and more.
• February 12, 2022 – Virtual Red H.E.A.R.R.T. Teen Talk Wellness Event to educate teens to optimize their wellness. Topics will include everything from heart health, vaping, mental wellness, relationships, financial management, and more.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, you can contact Cheryl Lindsay at redhearrtcl@yahoo.com, phone, 336.655.5101 or website, www.redhearrt.com.