Stroke survivor to advocate for awareness in upcoming event

IOWA CITY — The American Heart Association is hosting the 2021 Iowa City Go Red for Women Luncheon later this week, marking the first time the annual event has taken place in-person in nearly two years.

The annual luncheon, which is scheduled to take place Friday, aims to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease as the leading cause of death for women in the United States.

“We are very excited to be in person this year,” said Julie Fitzpatrick, co-chair of the event. “This luncheon is a unique experience and I am thrilled that our attendees will have the opportunity to not only have fun together but also be inspired and educated while supporting this wonderful cause.”

This year’s featured speaker hopes to share her own survival story in an effort to encourage women to advocate for themselves if they ever end up in a situation like what she experienced three years ago.

“I hope that if anyone is experiencing it themselves or are with someone experiencing it, I want them to feel empowered to reach out and get help as soon as possible. That’s really important,” said Leslie Austen, 37, of Coralville.

In September 2018, Austen was in her living room when she suddenly experienced a strange sensation, which she described feeling as if one eye was getting bigger and the other was getting smaller.

She was taken to the emergency room. She didn’t have a CT scan at the hospital, and because she displayed no obvious signs of a stroke, she was sent home.

But Austen continued to experience symptoms throughout the weekend and went to a neurologist a few days after her stroke. He detected the stroke as well as the cause — a patent foramen ovale, or a small opening between the right and the left atrium of the heart.

A surgery repaired the issue, but it was still some time — and plenty of occupational therapy — before Austen said she felt back to normal.

Austen will be among a number of speakers at Friday’s luncheon, which will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Coralville Hotel and Conference Center, located at 300 E Ninth St. in Coralville.

Fitzpatrick is co-chairing the event with Renda Greene-Fishman.

For the safety of all attendees, Fitzpatrick said event organizers will have a number of requirements to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. That includes wearing a mask when not seated at a table eating or drinking, as well as social distanced seating arrangements.

“We’re very much looking forward to being able to gather together in-person this year to celebrate the important work of the AHA and Go Red for Women, but this year’s event will look a little different from past events,” Fitzpatrick said. “The safety and comfort of our survivors, guests and staff is our top priority and we do not wish to put anyone in a position in which they are uncomfortable.”

For more information and to register to attend the Go Red For Women Luncheon, visit www.heart.org/IowaCityGoRed.

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