Legal Leaders Unite their Passion and Expertise to Spotlight Women's No. 1 Health Risk.
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 their passion for improving women’s heart health in Rhode Island, Lauren Motola-Davis, Providence managing partner and chair of the Workers’ Compensation Practice at Lewis Brisbois, and Sally McDonald, chair of the Litigation Department at Cameron & Mittleman LLP, will serve as the 2025–26 volunteer co-chairs of Go Red for Women in Southern New England.
Launched more than two decades ago to increase women’s heart health awareness, Go Red for Women is the American Heart Association’s global movement designed to be a catalyst for change to improve the health of women. As the Association enters its second century of lifesaving work, Motola-Davis and McDonald will play a critical role in women’s health by leading Southern New England’s Go Red for Women campaign, including the 2026 Southern New England Go Red for Women Luncheon.
CVD is the leading cause of death in women, claiming more lives than all cancers combined, and continues to be women’s greatest health threat. According to the American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, as women grow and change, so does their risk for CVD. Unique life stages like pregnancy and menopause can affect that risk. The good news is that most cardiovascular disease incidents can be prevented through lifestyle changes and education. Through Go Red for Women, the Association calls on all women to take charge of their health and encourage others to do the same. Because when it comes to their health, women have the best resource—each other.
“I was inspired to chair Go Red for Women this year in honor of my late father, Dr. Baruh Motola,” said Motola-Davis. “He was a dedicated cardiologist who made house calls well into his 80s and continued to volunteer in prisons after retiring. Supporting the American Heart Association allows me to carry forward his legacy and commitment to patient care.”
“I’ve been involved with the American Heart Association since grade school, when I participated in Jump Rope for Heart,” said McDonald. “Two of my grandparents died of heart-related illnesses, and I was very close to them. This campaign gives me an opportunity to honor them while helping other women prioritize their health—something we don’t always take time to do.”
This year’s campaign will focus on growing community engagement, empowering women to know their numbers, and increasing sponsorship support to fund local programs and lifesaving research. The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement continues to inspire action by raising awareness, supporting prevention efforts and advocating for women’s health equity across Southern New England.
“We are incredibly grateful for Lauren and Sally and their unwavering dedication to the Go Red for Women movement,” said Michelle Clark, executive director, American Heart Association Rhode Island. “They lead with both heart and strength, and their leadership is already making a powerful impact across our communities. We look forward to the difference they’ll make in the year ahead.”
Go Red for Women is a global movement with impact across the United States and in more than 50 countries around the world. This year’s Go Red for Women movement and its local achievements will be celebrated on February 12 at the 2026 Southern New England Go Red for Women event.
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health. The Southern New England Go Red for Women event is locally sponsored by Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, Cameron & Mittleman LLP, FM, Lewis Brisbois and Robinson & Cole. For more information, contact Frank Maher at frank.maher@heart.org or visit heart.org/snegored.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than 100 years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for public health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. Connect with us at heart.org, on Facebook, X, or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
About Go Red for Women®
The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® movement is a comprehensive platform designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. While the majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in women, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 women. Go Red for Women encourages women to know their risk, take action to reduce it, and live healthier lives. The Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health. For more information, visit GoRedforWomen.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1.
