Local survivor champions women’s heart health in Corpus Christi

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas, May 19, 2026 — The American Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all, will host its 2026 Go Red for Women Luncheon on May 14, featuring local heart survivor Margaret Dechant, whose story inspires change and reflects the mission of Go Red for Women . The signature women’s initiative is dedicated to raising awareness of cardiovascular disease as the leading cause of death in women. Women’s heart health is changing the lives of mothers, sisters, and friends, and now is the moment to engage, educate and empower. While cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, less than half of women are aware of this. Margaret hopes to empower women in Corpus Christi to take charge of their heart health by sharing her personal story and experience. In February 2025, Margaret’s life changed in an instant. While visiting family, she suddenly felt unwell and began experiencing chest pain. She told her family she needed a minute. Margaret’s husband suspected she was having a heart attack. “His immediate response was, ‘Margaret, you’re having a heart attack.’ I refused to believe it—until my daughter, a registered nurse, walked in. She looked at me and said the words that saved my life: ‘Mama, you don’t have a minute,’ ” said Dechant. Margaret was rushed to the emergency room where first responders confirmed she was having a heart attack. After two failed attempts to place a stent, she underwent double bypass surgery four days later, just before turning 65. Nurses and doctors celebrated with her, singing “Happy Birthday” — a moment that reminded her she had been given the gift of a second chance. “Heart disease runs deep in my family. My father died of a heart attack at age 39, and my mother suffered strokes later in life. Though I had controlled high blood pressure since I was 29, I felt healthy and never imagined this could happen to me. Genetics proved stronger than I realized,” she said. Today, Margaret and her family take their health very seriously. She eats heart healthy, exercises daily, and cherishes every moment with loved ones. She calls surviving her heart attack winning the biggest lottery of all — the gift of more time with her family. “Women often ignore the signs and symptoms of heart disease. Putting others first and not prioritizing their own health. Do not live in fear, listen to your doctors, take care of your health so you can continue to take care of the ones you love.” The Go Red for Women Luncheon will take place at Hilliard Center on Thursday, May 14, and is expected to draw more than 800 participants, raising funds to address critical gaps in research, education and care. Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, and the Corpus Christi Go Red for Women Luncheon is locally sponsored by CHRISTUS Health, Methodist Healthcare Ministries, CITGO, Corpus Christi Medical Center, Farmers Insurance Stephanie Waterman, H-E-B, MMR Constructors, and Rally Credit Union. For event information and tickets visit heart.org/corpuschristigored. ### 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: Reyna Caraveo: reyna.caraveo@heart.org For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) heart.org and stroke.org