PRESS RELEASE: Bella Vista teen’s journey from cancer to heart transplant to inspire at 2026 Northwest Arkansas Go Red for Women Luncheon
American Heart Association event spotlights girl’s fight against chemo-induced heart failure and the lifesaving advances that gave her a second chance.
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark., Feb. 2, 2026 — When Mackenzie Maddry was 14, she thought her biggest battle would be beating bone cancer. She never imagined chemotherapy would lead to end-stage heart failure, an LVAD implant, and ultimately a heart transplant before her 18th birthday.
“I was in end-stage heart failure. My heart was running low on battery, it was running in the single digits of function,” Mackenzie said. “Doctors were amazed I was so alert in my condition. My heart was screaming for a break.”
Mackenzie’s story will take center stage at the 2026 Northwest Arkansas Go Red for Women Luncheon, the 22nd annual event hosted by the American Heart Association to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease — the No. 1 killer of women.
After 114 days in the cardiovascular intensive care unit, Mackenzie became the first pediatric patient in Arkansas to go home with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), a mechanical pump that kept her alive until she was eligible for transplant. In June 2024, after 579 days with the LVAD, she received the gift of a new heart.
“Having an LVAD really helped me get healthy and be ready for a heart transplant,” Mackenzie said. “Life was not on hold anymore.”
Her experience underscores a critical message: heart disease can affect anyone, at any age. Chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy is one of many conditions the heart association is working to address through research, education and advocacy.
“The American Heart Association funds lifesaving research and champions advanced therapies like LVADs and transplants,” said 2026 NWA Go Red for Women Co-Chair Danelle Cobb of The Emerson Group. “Stories like Mackenzie’s remind us why Go Red for Women is so important — because women’s heart health cannot wait.”
Cobb, along with co-chairs Amanda Madrid, senior director of hair care at Walmart, and Jerrit Davis, vice president of personal care at Walmart, are leading the Go Red campaign for the second straight year.
The luncheon will feature inspiring stories like MacKenzie’s, heart-health education and opportunities to support the American Heart Association’s mission to fight heart disease and stroke. Go Red for Women will also feature a vendor and health expo, a keynote speaker and a silent auction of personalized purse packages from Go Red supporters. The event routinely draws 1,000 or more guests and raises up to $680,000.
Central to the NWA Go Red for Women movement is the Circle of Red, a national campaign focused on improving women’s heart health by raising awareness, advancing advocacy and inspiring action to prevent and treat heart disease. Circle of Red unites survivors, caregivers, health professionals, volunteers and supporters to educate women about their unique heart risks, promote equitable research and care and mobilize communities to support lifesaving research, policy change and prevention efforts year-round. The 2025-26 group is led by Julie McGrover of Sam’s Club, Jillayne Tompkins of MPG and Tina Winham of Conair.
Proceeds from the luncheon and Circle of Red memberships fund local programs and national research focused on women’s cardiovascular health. The luncheon is sponsored nationally by CVS Health and supported locally by Life is Why sponsor The Emerson Group, signature sponsors 3M, Haleon and MPG; and other local sponsors including Dossier, Essor, KISS, LA Colors and Papatui. Media support is by 5NEWS, Citiscapes magazine, Celebrate Arkansas and the NWA Business Journal/ Talk Business & Politics.
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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 the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook or X by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries
Cyd King: cyd.king@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
This Press Release was provided to Celebrate Arkansas courtesey of the American Heart Association.