“All My Children”‘s Erica may have been the legendary bad girl of soap operas, but her alter ego Susan Lucci was a charming, compassionate and committed advocate for the American Heart Association on Monday, October 29, at “An Evening With Susan Lucci” in Stacey and Dave Johnson‘s home. In a conversation with WFAA-CH.’s Teresa Woodard, Susan shared news about an episode that took place in October 2018 that resulted in her becoming the Go Red For Women’s national ambassador. Here’s a report from the field:
We’re still a few months away from Heart Month in February, but the American Heart Association already has us thinking about our heart health. On Monday, October 29, Emmy Award-winning actress and New York Times best-selling author Susan Lucci made a special stop in Dallas for an intimate event supporting the Dallas Go Red for Women movement. As the national ambassador for Go Red for Women, Lucci was the guest of honor at “An Evening with Susan Lucci“ to share her personal heart story and help raise vital funds for the organization.
The event, hosted by the American Heart Association’s philanthropic giving society Circle of Red, was held at the beautiful home of Stacey and Dave Johnson. Guests, including Kelly and Marty Turco, Nancy Gopez, 2020 Go Red For Women Luncheon Chair Judy Hendrick, Circle of Red Co-Chairs Elise Turner and Diane Parmerlee and American Heart Association’s CEO Nancy Brown, were buzzing with excitement to meet the actress.
In a moderated discussion hosted by WFAA’s Teresa Woodard, the crowd of 75 were shocked to hear that Lucci, who embodies the picture of health, had a severe heart incident just one year ago. She described that fateful day last October when she felt a tightening in her chest that radiated around her ribcage. A feeling she’d felt similarly twice in the weeks leading up to that day. Lucci shared with guests that this time it was different, she described it as “an elephant pressing on my chest.” A phrase she remembered a woman saying years ago when describing the start of a heart attack.
Lucci implored women in the room to “put yourself on your to-do list,” highlighting the fact that no one needs to die from heart disease and stroke. You could feel the energy and passion in the room of survivors and volunteers when Lucci asked guests to join her in supporting the American Heart Association’s Circle of Red by donating that evening. Lucci’s request resulted in 17 people joining Circle of Red, including nine attendees securing an invite to the upcoming Red Dress Collection during New York’s Fashion Week, by contributing a gift of $15,000 or more.
While this event was private, you can still support the cause at the Dallas Go Red for Women Luncheon on Friday, February 28, at the Omni Dallas Hotel. And don’t forget to don your best red outfit on February 7 for National Wear Red Day.
* Photo credit: James Edward