NONPROFIT
Text courtesy of the American Heart Association | Select photos by Keith Branch
Brenna Groves: A Story of Courage and Survival
This year marks the 21st anniversary of the Northwest Arkansas Go Red for Women movement, an American Heart Association initiative dedicated to increasing women’s heart health awareness and serving as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. The movement’s local achievements will be celebrated May 20 with the NWA Go Red for Women Luncheon at the Rogers Convention Center.
The luncheon is expected to draw about 1,000 volunteers, supporters and guests. It will feature a vendor expo, health screenings, silent auction, heart-healthy lunch, keynote speaker and the remarkable story of a courageous survivor, Brenna Groves of Elm Springs.
During a work trip in California, Groves experienced severe chest pains, difficulty breathing and nausea. Sensing something was seriously wrong, she sought medical attention before her scheduled flight home. Her decision proved to be lifesaving. Upon arrival at the nearest emergency room, Groves was in cardiac arrest. The medical team acted swiftly, admitting her to the hospital and explaining the critical nature of her condition. She was sedated, intubated and prepared for immediate intervention.
Four days later, Groves awoke to find her husband by her bedside, explaining that she was being prepped for open-heart surgery. The next day, she underwent a quadruple bypass. After 22 days in the hospital, enduring multiple procedures and a challenging recovery, she was finally able to return home to Arkansas.
Reflecting on her experience, Groves said, “I knew something wasn’t right, and I’m so grateful I trusted my instincts and sought help. I hope my story encourages others to listen to their bodies and seek help when something feels off.”
According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease causes 1 in 3 deaths among women each year, and nearly 45% of women aged 20 and older are living with some form of cardiovascular disease. In the United States, more than 60 million women, or 44%, are living with some form of heart disease.
“Brenna’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of recognizing the signs of heart disease and seeking prompt medical care,” said Mellissa Wood, senior development director for the American Heart Association-NWA and director of Go Red for Women. “It also highlights the urgent need for continued research and education to combat heart disease, the leading cause of death among women.”
Groves was last year’s NWA Woman of Impact, an accolade she earned by raising funds and awareness in support of research and education to better identify, diagnose, treat and prevent cardiovascular disease in women. She was one of nine women competing for the title.
Northwest Arkansas’ Woman of Impact Candidates
2025
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Lizette Franco, a madrina (Spanish for godmother) from the 2025 NWA Vestido Rojo event
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Elizabeth Hashaway, head of US-Canada Sales, Onyx Brands
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Caroline Jones, owner, McClure Fitness (photo by Cassandra Manley)
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Alisha Lyster, senior merchant – beauty, Walmart
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Julie McGrover, senior director – merchandising, Sam’s Club
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Tracey McGuire, senior director, Market Performance Group
Nominees and their Impact Teams, made up of friends or family members, have been participating in activities designed to create a culture of wellness and health equity. Activities may include educational events, learning and spreading the word about CPR, getting active, and recruiting women to participate in research.
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The woman whose team has the highest number of impact points — awarded through a combination of fundraising and mission impact activities — is named the Northwest Arkansas 2025 Woman of Impact Award Winner. The winner will be announced at the luncheon.
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Wood said the nominees are on track to raise about $115,000 collectively. The nominee with the most points nationwide will be named the National Woman of Impact Award Winner.
The NWA Go Red for Women movement is led by co-chairpersons Amanda Madrid and Jerrit Davis of Walmart and Danelle Cobb of The Emerson Group. The NWA Circle of Red/Men Go Red giving group is championed by co-chairpersons Jillayne Tompkins, Twilla Brooks and Shana DeSmit.
Circle of Red is Go Red for Women’s annual giving society, made up of passionate individuals who are committed to fighting heart disease and stroke in women. Members use their influence, generosity and passion to help increase awareness of cardiovascular disease — the leading cause of death in women — and inspire women to take charge of their health. Circle of Red members are leaders in their communities and families, often driven by personal experiences with heart disease. They are some of the greatest champions of the Go Red for Women movement, helping to save lives and further the mission of improving women’s heart health.
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, and the NWA Go Red for Women Luncheon is locally supported by Life is Why sponsor The Emerson Group and signature sponsors Haleon, 3M and Beauty 21. Other local sponsors include Dossier, KISS and MPG. Media support comes from Celebrate Arkansas, CitiScapes Magazine, KFSM-Channel 5 and the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal.
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Sponsorships and tickets are still available by contacting Mellissa Wood at Mellissa.Wood@heart.org or by going to heart.org/NWAGoRed.
Circle of Red
Back: Rachel Harris, Jillayne Tompkins, Cheryl Yarbrough
Front: Danelle Cobb, Kristi Coats,
Debbie Sonnentag
Back: Dawn Norvell, Elizabeth Hashaway, Greg Parker
Front: Debbie Alsup, Marsha Martin
Back: Erica Wilkins, Lea Jepson, Dallas Counts, Twilla Brooks
Front: Julie McGrover, Susan May,
Shana DeSmit
Back: Jerrit Davis, Christin Ballard, Amanda Madrid,
Kevin Macero
Front: Stephanie Martinez, Jana Wrenay Elkins, Tracey McGuire
Back: Mellissa Wood, Heather Schluterman, Karen Leach
Front: Carla Kolb, Brenna Groves, Sherene Jagla,
Jennifer Ring
Group photos by Keith Branch, shot on location at Motto by Hilton Bentonville Downtown
(Not Pictured: Jennifer Allison, Regina Bailey, Katie Barnes, Kaley Baxendale, Scott Berger, Shelly Bladdick, Maya Bowie, Grace Breeden, Tracy Butzlaff, Chris Campbell, Andi Clinton, Tiffany Collis, Meredith Davenport, Leigh Dean, Shirley Esch, Chuck Fehlig, Suzy Fehlig, Daniel Franklin, Sheila Gamble, Taylor Gordy, Jamie Hamblen, Emily Henderson, Kerri Hoffine, Brandon Hurlbut, Sean Jackson, Sarah Kamm, Dr. Rick Kyle, Mary Lens, Alicia Levy, Todd Matherly, Becka Mullins, Serena Munns, Lynn Murray, Olivia Ogle, Melody Phan Rich, Misty Quaid, Lindsay Rabicoff, Cecilia Raymond, Kristy Sapp, Lindsey Schafer, Katie Schifano, Mike Sewell, Linda Simpson, Erin Spears, Angie Stacy, Rachael Stamps, Angel Talley, Nathan Triska, Brooke Wagner, Trent Waller, Lauren Wheeler, Tina Windham)