What’s the No. 1 killer of women? You might be surprised to know it’s heart disease. One in three women will die of a cardiovascular-related illness, from cholesterol to a stroke. How does the U.S. put an end to such staggering numbers? Education. The more women who are able to educate themselves about heart disease and how to prevent it, the sooner heart disease will cease to be an epidemic.

The Olympic Medical Center Foundation will be presenting the first Red, Set, Go! Heart Luncheon on Friday, Feb. 29. The purpose of the luncheon is to raise awareness about heart disease and to inspire women to lead healthier lifestyles.

“We are committed to raising awareness about the critical issue of heart health for women on the Olympic Peninsula,” event chairwoman Sara Maloney said.

The event’s presenting sponsor will be Boston Scientific, the world’s largest medical device company. Other corporate sponsors of the event include Qwest, Siemens, the Sequim Gazette, AstraZeneca, Caldero Financial Consulting, First Federal Savings & Loan, John L. Scott, Karen Rogers Consulting, Novartis and Sequim Health & Rehabilitation.

The luncheon’s keynote speaker will be Dr. Rosemary Peterson, a board-certified cardiologist from Cardiac Health Specialists in Tacoma. Peterson specializes in heart failure, cardiac rehabilitation and women with heart issues. Peterson will be joined by Olympic Medical Center’s Dr. Kara Kurtz Urnes, who is board certified in cardiology, nuclear cardiology and echocardiography.

Red, Set, Go! will raise funds for the medical center’s cardiac services department.

“With the completion of our ambitious expansion program in both Sequim and Port Angeles, it is more important than ever for our foundation to raise funds that will provide patients with the best care as they fight heart disease,” Maloney said.

The Red, Set, Go! Heart Luncheon will be on Friday, Feb. 29, at 11:30 a.m. at the SunLand Golf & Country Club in Sequim. To purchase tickets, sponsor a table or make a donation, contact Sara Maloney at the Olympic Medical Center Foundation at 417-7144.

“We are committed to raising awareness about the critical issue of heart health for women on the Olympic Peninsula.”

— Sara Maloney, event chairwoman