A group of Austin women made an incredible coast-to-coast journey to raise awareness for the number one killer of women—heart disease.
The four members of “Team Ride Red” cycled 3,000 miles across America, spreading the word that heart disease kills one in three women.
“If people would take the initiative to be mindful and take care of themselves it can be prevented,” cyclist Susan Farago said.
Farago joined Sue Schrader, Carol Pope and Vicki Ford to compete in the Race Across America event; a competition dedicated to raising awareness of charitable causes. They set off from California and cycled to Maryland. It took them seven days, six hours and 51 minutes to finish the race.
“Sleeping was a big challenge for this race,” Ford said. “I bet I averaged about four hours a day.”
During the grueling competition, two of the women would ride for six hours, alternating every 20 minutes. Then the two other members would take over for the next six hours. All of the members of “Team Ride Red” are over forty years old.
“We’re all really athletic and excited about empowering women to get out there and do something for themselves,” Farago said. “What a great venue to spread our message of heart health across three thousand miles.”
Dr. Vivek Goswami is a cardiologist at the Heart Hospital of Austin. He said that while heart disease is the leading cause of death, early screenings for the disease can save lives.
“There are multiple risk factors for heart disease,” he said. “Some of them include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking and a family history of heart disease.”
Family history is even more important when there is early onset of heart disease in a first degree relative, like a mother or brother. Educating others and raising awareness about heart health is why the four women sacrificed sleep, time and comfort.
“It’s a very easy cause for me to get behind and care about,” Ford said.
