Akron, Ohio — Nearly half of women ages 20 and older are living with some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD), the No. 1 killer of women. Because of her passion for improving women’s heart health in Northeast Ohio, Molly Marhofer, Community Outreach Director at Ron Marhofer Auto Family, will serve as the 2026 volunteer chair of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® initiative in Akron-Canton.
A Personal Mission to Improve Women’s Heart Health
The Go Red for Women movement, launched by the American Heart Association more than two decades ago, focuses on raising awareness and empowering women to take control of their cardiovascular health.
“I chose to volunteer with the American Heart Association because heart disease has deeply impacted my family. My mom had a heart attack at just 50 years old, and it changed the way I look at health and prevention,” said Marhofer.
“Now that I’m a mother to three young daughters, that connection feels even more personal. I want them to grow up in a world where women’s heart health is not overlooked or underestimated — and where they know how to care for themselves inside and out.”
Why Women’s Heart Health Awareness Matters
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death among women, claiming more lives than all cancers combined. According to the American Heart Association, unique life stages such as pregnancy and menopause can increase cardiovascular risk.
The encouraging news is that many cases of cardiovascular disease can be prevented through education, lifestyle changes, and early detection. The Go Red for Women campaign encourages women to learn their risks and support each other in living heart-healthy lives.
Community Leadership Driving Impact in Akron-Canton
“We are incredibly grateful for Molly and her unwavering passion and dedication to the Go Red for Women movement,” said Katie Thom, Region Senior Vice President of Development and Community Health for the American Heart Association.
“Molly leads by example through her commitment to raising awareness and advocating for women’s heart health, and because of this she has made a significant impact on our community.”
2026 Akron-Canton Go Red for Women Luncheon
The impact of the campaign will be celebrated at the 2026 Akron-Canton Go Red for Women Luncheon.
Event Details
Date: Thursday, February 12, 2026
Location: House Three Thirty – Akron, Ohio
National Sponsor: CVS Health
Local Sponsor: Ron Marhofer Auto Family
For more information about the Akron-Canton Go Red for Women initiative, visit
heart.org.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a global organization dedicated to creating longer, healthier lives. For more than 100 years the organization has funded groundbreaking research, advocated for public health, and provided resources that help prevent and treat cardiovascular disease and stroke.
About Go Red for Women
Go Red for Women® is the American Heart Association’s signature initiative focused on improving women’s heart health. Cardiovascular disease claims the lives of 1 in 3 women, yet many of these cases are preventable through awareness and lifestyle changes.
Learn more at
GoRedForWomen.org.
