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Arkansas Woman Advocates for National Go Red for Women Day After 3 Strokes
Keturah White, a 3-time stroke survivor, is using her story to encourage women to prioritize their heart health.
Published on Feb. 5, 2026
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Keturah White, an Arkansas woman who has suffered three strokes and undergone open-heart surgery, is now using her survival story to advocate for women's heart health nationwide. White experienced her first stroke at just 26 years old while performing CPR on someone else. Despite the odds, she has continued to beat health challenges, including being born with a hole in her heart. Now, White speaks with lawmakers in Washington, D.C. and advocates for the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women campaign to encourage women to make their own health a priority.
Why it matters
White's story highlights the importance of women taking their heart health seriously, as they often put the needs of others before their own. Her advocacy work during National Heart Month aims to raise awareness about the risks of stroke and heart disease, which are leading causes of death for women in the United States.
The details
White experienced her first stroke at age 26 while performing CPR on someone else. She initially thought it was just a migraine, but it turned out to be a stroke. White was also born with a small hole in the upper chamber of her heart, a condition that typically closes shortly after birth but did not in her case. This put added strain on her body over time and increased her risk of serious health complications, including the multiple strokes and open-heart surgery she has undergone.
- White experienced her first stroke at age 26.
- White was recognized as part of the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women Real Women Class of 2021.
The players
Keturah White
An Arkansas woman who has suffered three strokes and undergone open-heart surgery, and is now using her survival story to advocate for women's heart health nationwide.
What they’re saying
“While saving someone else and doing CPR, I got the worst headache I ever had. I thought it was a migraine, and it turned out it was my first stroke.”
— Keturah White (5newsonline.com)
“My mom stopped her chemo and radiation to save my life.”
— Keturah White (5newsonline.com)
“Women take care of everyone. We're here for our friends, our children, our families. We do a lot, and it's very important to bring in self-care at some point. Because if you don't take care of yourself, you're going to burn out.”
— Keturah White (5newsonline.com)
What’s next
White continues to speak with lawmakers in Washington, D.C. and advocate for the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women campaign to raise awareness about women's heart health.
The takeaway
Keturah White's story underscores the importance of women prioritizing their own health, especially during National Heart Month. Her advocacy work aims to inspire other women to take proactive steps to monitor and improve their heart health, which can help prevent serious complications like the multiple strokes she has experienced.
