Virtua Health proudly celebrated the 10th anniversary of its WomenHeart peer support group, a program created by and for women living with heart disease. In recognition, Virtua hosted a luncheon recognizing the group’s impact and the two WomenHeart  Champions who have led it since its inception.

For the past decade, WomenHeart at Virtua has welcomed women from across the region into a compassionate, empowering community. Each month, participants gather to share personal experiences, exchange coping strategies, and support one another through the emotional and physical challenges of heart disease.

WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease was founded in 1999 by three women who were all in their 40s when they had heart attacks. A collaboration with the Mayo Clinic led to the training of WomenHeart Champions—heart disease survivors from across the country who became community educators trained in heart disease science, storytelling, advocacy, and community outreach. These Champions lead support groups nationwide, ensuring women have access to trusted information and a supportive network.

Virtua’s Champions, Lynn Niblick and Joan Wisniewski, were honored for their decade of service and unwavering commitment to women living with heart disease. Both women became Champions while still recovering from heart attacks—experiences that shaped their leadership and deepened their empathy for others navigating similar diagnoses. Each has survived two heart attacks, giving them a profound understanding of the fear, uncertainty, and emotional weight that accompany heart disease.

Reflecting on her journey, Lynn shared, “WomenHeart has helped me as much as it has helped all of our members. I learn something every time we have experts come to speak with us, and I have learned so much from listening to women share their cardiac journeys with the group.”

Joan added, “Leading our WomenHeart support group has been such a meaningful experience in my life. The women who come to the meetings have taught me as much as I’ve ever offered them. I am especially grateful to have taken this journey with Lynn—her strength, compassion, and dedication make me a better leader and advocate. I feel so lucky to do this work together.”

Virtua cardiologist Maria Duca, MD, who specializes in cardiac care for women, championed the establishment of WomenHeart at Virtua and encouraged Lynn and Joan to pursue their training 10 years ago.

“Women often carry the weight of caring for everyone else, and they put their own heart health last,” said Dr. Duca. “A support group like this creates a safe space to be seen, heard, and understood. As WomenHeart Champions, both Lynn and Joan are adept at empowering members to share their stories, learn from one another, and manage their cardiac journey with less stress and more confidence. They have changed the lives of hundreds of women for the better.”