Join us for an extraordinary women’s luncheon featuring an exclusive runway show by ELYSE WALKER that could change the rhythm of countless lives. Runway for Red is not just an event—it's a lifeline for those battling Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) and other serious heart issues. 

Why Your Presence Matters

AFib affects over 5 million Americans today, with cases expected to surge past 12 million by 2030. Without proper treatment, this condition can lead to devastating complications. Beyond Afib, heart disease remains our nation's number one killer, accounting for 20% of all deaths. But there's hope on the horizon, and you can be part of it.

Our Mission

We're raising funds to establish a new Heart Care & AFib Treatment Center of Excellence at St. Helena Hospital. This state-of-the-art cardiac unit will offer:

• Private rooms for patients and family members traveling from across the country
• Award-Winning Heart Care in the heart of Napa Valley
• Access to our region's most experienced team of Cardiologists, Cardiothoracic surgeons, and Afib experts, here in our community and available 24/7/365 to care for you when every second matters! 
• The latest state-of-the-art medical technology to support advanced cardiac surgery and cardiac imaging for the clearest possible view of the heart. 

Your Impact

By supporting Runway for Red, you're not just attending an event—you're saving lives within our community. Your contribution will help create a premier destination for Heart care and AFib treatment here in Napa Valley, ensuring family, friends, and neighbors receive the cardiac care they desperately need close to home. 100% of event costs have been underwritten, so every dollar donated goes directly to supporting the new Heart Care unit at St. Helena Hospital.

Don't miss this opportunity to come together as women of Napa Valley for a fun day of high fashion, fine wine/champagne, live music, and philanthropy. Together, we can change the future of Heart Care and give hope to those who need it throughout our community and across Northern California.

Why This Cause Means Everything to Me

Heart disease isn't just a statistic to me; it's a relentless force that has profoundly impacted my family. AFib and heart complications have shadowed generations of my loved ones, shaping our lives and demanding strength we never imagined we'd need.

Both of my grandmothers battled Atrial Fibrillation. My grandfather underwent triple bypass surgery. My dad faced aortic valve replacement and a double bypass. My younger brother Derek was diagnosed with AFib in 2020, and I myself have experienced intermittent bouts of AFib throughout my life.

In October 2020, amidst the uncertainty and isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, my brother Derek suffered a terrifying AFib attack. His resting heart rate surged beyond 210 BPM, leading him to collapse unconscious, narrowly avoiding serious injury. I'll never forget the desperation I felt sitting with him in Lake Tahoe, urging him that we had no choice but to rush to the hospital immediately. That day changed Derek's life forever—he was diagnosed with severe Atrial Fibrillation and Atrial Flutter.

The following three years tested Derek's spirit and resilience. He was forced to abandon his passion for fitness, becoming dependent on daily anti-coagulation medications and living in fear of sudden, severe AFib episodes. Countless nights ended with rushed hospital visits and repeated cardioversions. At one terrifying moment, doctors mistakenly told him he was having a heart attack, highlighting the urgent need for improved cardiac care.

After two intensive ablation procedures, Derek finally found relief, regaining the quality of life he feared he might have lost forever. His recovery is thanks entirely to a dedicated team of exceptional doctors and surgeons.

This personal journey has reinforced my commitment to supporting initiatives that ensure others in our community can access exceptional care without delay. As a proud board member of the St. Helena Hospital Foundation, I've witnessed firsthand the immense impact fundraising events like Runway for Red have in transforming healthcare locally. St. Helena Hospital already hosts some of the nation’s finest cardiologists and AFib specialists, and the development of the new AFib Center for Excellence will further establish our community as a beacon of hope and healing.

Together, we have the power to save and improve countless lives. Your generosity enables families like mine to confront heart disease with courage, hope, and unwavering support. Thank you deeply for your compassion and partnership—it truly takes all of us to create lasting change.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Lauren Dickson