Laurie Oleniacz of Hunterdon County
As a survivor of a heart attack at age 38 and an American Heart Association “Go Red for Women” survivor ambassador, I am one of the fortunate ones.
Heart disease and stroke claim the lives of nearly 14,000 New Jersey women annually. Too many mothers, sisters, daughters and friends die each year from these diseases.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading health threat facing women today, and it is a problem Congress must address.
Thank you, Congressman Mike Ferguson and senators Frank Lautenberg and Robert Menendez, for support the Heart for Women Act. If passed, this simple and cost-effective bipartisan legislation will help improve the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease and stroke in women.
The Heart for Women Act also will expand Wisewoman, a program providing free heart disease and stroke screenings to low-income uninsured women that is not currently available in the Garden State.
The program must be offered nationwide to give women the number one tool in fighting these diseases — the chance for early detection.
I applaud Sen. Lautenberg, Sen. Menendez and Congressman Ferguson for working to reduce the devastating effects of heart disease and stroke in women. Your support of the Heart for Women Act shows you care about helping women like me live longer, stronger and healthier lives.
And please join me and millions of women across the country Feb. 1, National Wear Red for Women Day, by wearing something red. “Go Red” to raise awareness and celebrate life.
Laurie Oleniacz
Hunterdon County

