Founder and CEO raises awareness and funds to end women’s No. 1 health threat

DETROIT, April 17, 2026 — While the large majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to be the leading cause of death in women. [1] In recognition of her energy and passion to fight back against women’s greatest health threat, Eva Solomon, founder and CEO of Epic Races, is the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® Detroit Woman of Impact™ winner for 2026. She won the local competition by raising funds and awareness of heart disease and stroke, and inspiring other women to take action to improve their health. Through her platform with Epic Races, Eva created a Mile a Day Marathon Challenge, encouraging community members to sign up and run a mile every day for 26 days, ending with the final 1.2 miles on National Walking Day. Not only did this raise funds for her campaign, but it also promoted heart health and encouraged people to get moving. Four nominees participated in the 2026 Detroit Woman of Impact competition. Over nine weeks, participants used their collective influence to raise critical dollars to help fund lifesaving research, education and programs to support the American Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all. They educated women on their CVD risks, shared the lifesaving skill of Hands-Only CPR and each made a direct impact in their community. Funds raised support the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association. “Thanks to the efforts of incredible leaders like Eva and all of our nominees, we’re making strides to help all women in Detroit feel seen and heard when it comes to their health,” said Sara Hegarty, executive director, American Heart Association – Southeast Michigan. “Together, we have the power to ensure more women are represented in research, have the information they need for heart health through every stage of life and receive quality and timely care. The power of our community coming together creates better health outcomes for all of us.” Women experience unique life stages, like pregnancy and menopause, that can increase their risk of cardiovascular disease. Still, many instances of heart disease and stroke are preventable. The Woman of Impact campaign is part of the Heart Association’s signature Go Red for Women movement, a comprehensive platform that has been increasing women’s heart health awareness and meeting the evolving health needs of women globally for more than two decades. “Participating in Woman of Impact was incredibly meaningful to me,” said Solomon. “It gave me the opportunity to turn my passion for building community into real action for women’s heart health. I am honored to be named this year’s winner, but what means the most is the impact of all of the nominees, our teams and our communities created together.” Solomon is one of more than 102 other community-level Women of Impact winners from across the country now eligible for the national recognition. The national winner will be announced through TIME Magazine on May 20, 2026. Other local nominees included: Ajena Gordon, Vinewell Route Donulae’ T. Knuckles, Knuckles Health Education, LLC Jeanean M. Bryant, Henry Ford College Over 44% of women over age 20 are living with some form of CVD. [2] Community leaders involved in Woman of Impact are paving the way for the future of women’s heart health and enabling more women to live longer and healthier lives. To learn more about the Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement in Detroit, visit www.heart.org/detroitgored. ### About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org , Facebook , X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. About Go Red for Women® The American Heart Association’s signature initiative, Go Red for Women®, is a comprehensive platform designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. 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 more than two decades, Go Red for Women has encouraged awareness. The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power of women to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them tools they need to lead a heart-healthy life. The Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, with additional support from national cause supporters. For more information, please visit GoRedforWomen.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721). For Media Inquiries: Sarah Rood: Sarah.Rood@heart.org , 734.626.8237 For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) heart.org and stroke.org [1] https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001139#core-R1-1 [2] , [2][2], [2][2][2] , [2]V Tsao CW, Aday AW, Almarzooq ZI, Anderson CAM, Arora P, Avery CL, Baker-Smith CM, Beaton AZ, Boehme AK, Buxton AE, Commodore Mensah Y, Elkind MSV, Evenson KR, Eze-Nliam C, Fugar S, Generoso G, Heard DG, Hiremath S, Ho JE, Kalani R, Kazi DS, Ko D, Levine DA,Liu J, Ma J, Magnani JW, Michos ED, Mussolino ME, Navaneethan SD, Parikh NI, Poudel R, Rezk-Hanna M, Roth GA, Shah NS, St-Onge M-P, Thacker EL, Virani SS, Voeks JH, Wang N-Y, Wong ND, Wong SS, Yaffe K, Martin SS; on behalf of the American Heart Association Council on Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee and Stroke Statistics Subcommittee. Heart disease and stroke statistics—2023 update: a report from the American Heart Association [published ahead of print January 25, 2023]. Circulation. doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001123