COLOR ME RED

As mother and daughter, Maura Donahue and Lauren Andrews have a close relationship, but the two also work together at DonahueFavret Contractors, Inc., where Maura is partner and EVP of the commercial construction company and Lauren the Business Development Coordinator as well as a partner. While they may see a great deal of each other at work, the mother and daughter duo also served as co-chairs of the American Heart Association’s Go Red Campaign on the Northshore.

“In 2020 when the American Heart Association brought the Go Red for Women luncheon to the Northshore, Mom and I attended it,” says Andrews. “We have been supporters of the organization for many years and have always had a great deal of respect for the work that the non-profit does. I was truly impressed by the number of women that came together to show their support for the Go Red message. Fast forward to a year later, around April of 2021, and Mom and I had a meeting with Brittany Gay and Tricia Otis. They were wondering if the two of us would be interested in co-chairing the 2022 campaign. Honestly, there was not much for us to think about—we were in!”

Both women have personal reasons for advocating heart health, making them all the more passionate about spreading the message of Go Red’s annual campaign. “Heredity and lifestyle are huge factors in our heart health during our lifetime,” says Donahue. “You can’t alter your heredity, but you can be aware of the risks you face because of your family history. Lifestyle is one we can do something about, and being aware of the factors that cause heart issues is critical to our lifespan and the quality of that lifespan. I lost my grandfather when he was 48 years old to a massive heart attack, and I later lost my father to the same—probably a combination of heredity but also unhealthy life choices. My sweet husband, Jack, had open heart surgery 25 years ago for double bypass. So this is all very personal to me. I want to make sure my children know their heredity and can make good choices. Looking forward, I fear for our grandchildren. I guess it all comes down to educating ourselves, our children and our grandchildren on the importance of their heart health.”

Adds Andrews, “One of my best friends growing up and my roommate at LSU, Meredith Harmon, suffered an ischemic stroke when we were in our early 30s. I will never forget how it felt getting that phone call. She showed an exceptional amount of courage and strength during her recovery, and I am even more grateful for her today knowing everything that she has endured. The Go Red message is intended to be heard by all women, in all communities, across the globe. The number one killer of women is cardiovascular disease, but instead of just accepting that statistic, there is a lot that we can do about it. Eighty percent of cardiac events can be prevented by education and lifestyle changes. It starts with eating right and exercising more. The Go Red for Women mission is to end heart disease and stroke in women. It is also working to increase the number of women in STEM careers and increasing access to health care for all.”

The women’s roles as co-chairs meant a year of raising awareness and much-needed funds for the Go Red campaign, as well as planning, coordinating, and hosting the luncheon in addition to meeting on a regular basis with the team at the American Heart Association. “The time we served as co-chairs was special,” says Andrews. “First and foremost, while I am used to working with my mom, for us to have the opportunity to volunteer together was memorable. We worked hard together, we laughed together, and hopefully ended up making a difference together. It was a blessing, and it was humbling to be asked to lead the efforts of a campaign like this. It was also an opportunity to meet a lot of incredible ladies in the community that I would not have known otherwise. We heard stories from survivors of strokes that would not leave a dry eye in the room.

We also heard the touching words of those who have lost loved ones too young due to cardiovascular disease. Knowing that those stories can happen to anyone, in any community, anywhere is what motivated us to spread the Go Red message. I honestly love the process of trying to make a difference, regardless how big or small it is. Volunteering and fundraising for non-profits is something that I genuinely enjoy.”

“It’s been such a joy to work with the AHA staff and the Executive Leadership Team we recruited in 2021,” agrees Donahue. “We are so blessed on the Northshore to have such a talented and philanthropic group of ladies who are not afraid to share their time or talent.”

In the time that Donahue and Andrews co-chaired the Go Red for Women campaign, they collectively raised over $200,000. “We were able to raise money to be used for educating people about their own heart health, and if anyone left that luncheon and told their children about the dangers of vaping or questioned their own lifestyle choices or shared what they learned with someone they love,” Donahue says, “I’d say the event was a tremendous success.”

“We hope that women continue to support other women to live healthier, longer lives—because we are all worth it!” says Andrews.

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