More than 25 St. John’s faculty members showed their spirit by wearing red to school last Friday. But they weren’t endorsing a favorite sports team; they were supporting the fight against heart disease in women.

Spearheaded each year by assistant athletic director Janet Kelly, St. John’s Go Red Day raises money for the American Heart Association to create an awareness of heart disease in women and fund research to develop new medications.

Ms. Kelly said, “By wearing red on Friday, the faculty and staff at St. John’s encouraged each member of our school community to pay attention, practice good heart health, and take the time to know the warning signs of a heart attack.”

Heart disease is the number one killer of women, even more deadly than all forms of cancer. But in its 10 years, National Go Red Day has made tremendous strides in this fight. By educating women how to reduce their personal risks, 21% fewer women are dying from heart disease.

Later this month, St. John’s students will participate in the American Heart Association’s Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser. St. John’s has participated for 16 years and has raised over $90,000.