San Angelo Go Red for Women event spotlights heart disease across genders

The American Heart Association's annual campaign highlights stories of both men and women affected by cardiovascular events.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The American Heart Association's Go Red for Women movement will bring its signature blend of inspiration, education and heart‑health advocacy to San Angelo, Texas on February 18, 2026. This year's event will feature the stories of three survivors, including two men, to underscore that heart disease can impact anyone regardless of gender.

Why it matters

The Go Red for Women campaign is typically focused on women's cardiovascular health, but this year's San Angelo event aims to show that heart disease is a family issue that affects both men and women. By highlighting the experiences of male and female survivors, the organizers hope to raise awareness about the importance of recognizing heart disease symptoms and seeking prompt medical care.

The details

The San Angelo Go Red for Women event will take place from 5:30-9pm on February 18, 2026 at the McNease Convention Center. The three featured survivors include Dr. James Melott, a 54-year-old family physician who suffered a cardiac event while working out at home in 2020, and Jim Carson, who has experienced multiple heart attacks and procedures since age 46. The third survivor is Kaci Follis, who had two strokes while cooking at home in 2025 and was found to have a hole in her heart. All three stories emphasize the crucial role that family members, especially women, can play in recognizing symptoms and advocating for proper medical care.

  • In 2020, Dr. James Melott suffered a cardiac event while working out at home.
  • Since age 46, Jim Carson has experienced multiple heart attacks, stents, and surgeries to repair an aortic aneurysm, with his most recent procedure in 2025.
  • In January 2025, Kaci Follis suffered two strokes while cooking at home.

The players

Courtney Carson

The chair of this year's San Angelo Go Red for Women event.

Dr. James Melott

A 54-year-old family physician and featured survivor who suffered a cardiac event while working out at home in 2020.

Jim Carson

A featured survivor who has experienced multiple heart attacks and procedures since age 46.

Stacy Carson

Jim Carson's wife, who has been a strong advocate for her husband's health throughout his journey with heart disease.

Kaci Follis

A featured survivor who suffered two strokes while cooking at home in 2025 and was found to have a hole in her heart.

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What they’re saying

“Heart disease doesn't check your gender before it strikes. By highlighting the experiences of both men and women, we're underscoring the urgency for every family to know the signs, understand the risks and take action.”

— Courtney Carson, Chair of the San Angelo Go Red for Women event (heart.org)

“You can always be doing more to reduce your risk [for cardiovascular disease].”

— Dr. James Melott (heart.org)

“If it hadn't been for my dear friend recognizing that something wasn't right, then this would have all been different.”

— Kaci Follis, Featured survivor (heart.org)

“Because of Go Red, I knew exactly who to call — and that made all the difference.”

— Stacy Carson, Wife of featured survivor Jim Carson (heart.org)

What’s next

The San Angelo Go Red for Women event on February 18, 2026 will feature the stories of three survivors and provide education on heart disease prevention and risk factor awareness.

The takeaway

This year's San Angelo Go Red for Women event highlights that heart disease is a family issue that can impact anyone, regardless of gender. By sharing the stories of both male and female survivors, the organizers aim to raise awareness and encourage all families to be proactive about heart health.