The annual Go Red Luncheon next week will feature a local mother who will share the story of her daughter’s medical issues.
According to a news release, Amanda Bonsall will talk about her 13-year-old daughter, Marleigh, who was born with a genetic heart defect at the Medical Center of South Arkansas. She has since endured two heart surgeries and been diagnosed with Type I diabetes, something that was later reclassified as monogenic diabetes, a rare condition that is often misdiagnosed.
“Watching a teenager taking responsibility and making good choices that positively support her health every day is a reminder to our family to make good choices for our own health,” Bonsall said in the release.
The Go Red Luncheon for Men and Women is set for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 14 at the El Dorado Conference Center, and is the first event of the 2019 Medical Center of South Arkansas Healthy Woman initiative, presented by Teague Auto Group and hosted by the Go Red Committee to build awareness of heart disease and stroke in the community.
“We can stand together as a community to make a commitment to our health,” Jeff Teague said in the release. “Go Red has long acknowledged women as the driving force behind the health of their families and their community. We salute the Healthy Woman Board of Directors and look forward to being a part of their initiative for education and opportunities to take charge of our own health.”
There will be a free health fair featuring a physician meet and greet, screenings and education from 11 a.m. to noon. There will also be a silent auction beginning at 11 a.m. Lunch will be served at noon, when the welcome and presentation will begin.
Toddy and Amanda Pitard of Murphy-Pitard Jewelers, have donated a $3,900 diamond heart-shaped necklace to be raffled off during the event and the keynote speaker will be El Dorado Fire Chief Chad Mosby. Mosby currently serves as the president of the Arkansas Association of Fire Chiefs and is a heart attack survivor.
Tickets are available for $30 and can be purchased at Murphy-Pitard Jewelers, MCSA Auxiliary Gift Shop and online at theMedCenter.net/go-red-luncheon. For sponsorship information, call 870-864-3282.
For more information, visit Facebook.com/GoRedElDorado or theMedCenter.net.