In 2004, Go Red for Women was born as a campaign to raise awareness among women about their greatest health threat – heart disease. Today, it is a movement – one that not only brings thousands of women together in an effort to eradicate heart disease and stroke globally, but also to encourage all women to make a commitment to stand together with Go Red and take charge of their own heart health.
Much like the Go Red for Women journey, is the journey of Kent State employee Susan Weber. Susan decided at the age of 53 that she didn’t want her husband and three sons to feel the loss she felt when she lost both of her parents in her 30’s. Her mother suffered from congestive heart failure and diabetes. Knowing she was headed down the wrong path herself, Susan set her mind to make herself and her health a priority. Today, after an 18-month journey, Susan is 80 pounds lighter and has her blood pressure and fasting sugar under control.
On February 14, at the Akron Go Red Luncheon, the cornerstone event for the Go Red movement within communities across the country, Susan was featured as one of three women who have changed their lives by changing their health. In the , you can get a first-hand glimpse into Susan’s life, in and outside of the workplace, and as she partakes in the employee wellness program at Kent State, which she attributes for much of her success in supporting her commitment to living a healthy lifestyle.
“We’ve known for some time that Susan would be recognized, as representatives from the AHA/Go Red Committee have been on campus to interview her for the video,” said Kim Hauge, director of Employee Wellness. “Susan is a special woman, very selfless and very brave as she spoke through her pain of losing her parents at such an early age. She wanted to do this because she is hopeful that her story might inspire other women to take small steps that can quite literally save their lives.”
Another way Susan hopes to continue supporting others and paying it forward is through the Employee Wellness Ambassador program at Kent State. "We are thrilled to have her as part of our team of ambassadors," said Hauge.
“I know how good it feels to live healthy and well,” said Weber. “I want to encourage others to do the same.”
You can featuring Susan. To learn more about Kent State’s Employee Wellness Program, you may visit the landing page, or call Kim Hauge at 330-672-7505 or wellness@kent.edu.