Charleston , Kanawha County , West Virginia

February is heart disease awareness month, and the American Heart Association is asking you to "Go Red for Women" today by wearing something red.

At the Charleston Town Center Mall, the first 50 people in the center court received a free red carnation to wear.

In Huntington, more than 200 came out for the annual Go Red For Women lunch at St. Mary's Center for Education.

As public relations manager for St. Mary's Medical Center, Sharon Shaw plays a big role in planning the Go Red For Women luncheon each year. Last year, was one she'll never forget. "Just before I got to feeling sweaty and my arm hurt and other things started not feeling right, and just before the event started I was taken to the hospital and was found to have had a heart attack." She says she's happy to share her story to raise awareness about heart disease. "At the office they've teased me that I'm the ultimate PR person for St. Marys."

Shaw and others shared their stories at this year's lunch Friday afternoon. She says,
"Today I'm a survivor. So that's very important to me. I have been there, done that, and I have a lot of sisters in this room."

Joyce Johnson says she's "proud that I'm still here." It's been nearly 12 years since Johnson blacked out on a train trip to the new river. She says "No other symptoms. I ended up in the hospital in Charleston, ended up with my doctors in Huntington, then I had open heart surgery." She's changed her diet to eat more nutritious food, and exercises regularly.

One in three women will be affected by heart disease. It's the number one killer for women. That's why the AHA will use this whole month to raise awareness.
Shaw says, "Getting women together and having them more conscious of what can go on in your life you know. Watch your numbers. Listen to your body. Just take good care of yourself."

Johnson was one of several survivors who participated in a Go Red fashion show sponsored by Macy's. She says its, "Very encouraging. It makes you feel good. It makes you feel good."

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