by Kimberly O’Sullivan
Former Communications Officer
Foundation for the National Institutes of Health

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s The Heart Truth® campaign may be over but raising awareness of heart disease, the number one killer of women in the United States, continues.

Laura Zander, owner of Jimmy Beans Wool, started the Stitch Red Campaign because she has a personal connection to heart disease. Stitch Red was originally a collaborative effort between Zander and her friend and marketing partner Marta McGinnis. Over coffee one day, Marta shared with Laura that she recently survived a major heart attack. Laura also had recently discovered her young and fit husband Doug had been diagnosed with high blood pressure, putting him at greater risk for heart disease.

Stitch Red is supported by a majority of manufacturers and vendors in the needlearts industry who are creating unique Stitch Red products for which a percentage of profits will benefit the FNIH in support of The Heart Truth^® campaign. In addition, Jimmy Beans Wool is releasing a book, Knit Red, in June 2012 that features 30 celebrity designers sharing patterns and personal stories. Stitch Red Knit Nights also are being hosted by Jimmy Beans Wool and other local yarn stores across the country. A percentage of profits from Knit Red and Stitch Red Knit Nights will also benefit the FNIH in support of The Heart Truth^®.

Sadly, Marta passed away in 2008 before Stitch Red ever got off the ground. Marta will always be a driving inspiration as the Stitch Red Campaign “Sticks it to Heart Disease”.

Portions of this article reprinted from www.stitchred.com/.