HELP US BREAK THE STIMGA OF HIV & HEART DISEASE
Your support today will help save lives
from your labs to communities like yours.
.png/:/cr=t:0%25,l:0%25,w:100%25,h:100%25/rs=w:1209,h:1565)
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 22ND, 2026 - 1:30PM - 4:00PM
Straight 2 The Heart Fundraiser 2026
Join The Respect Yourself Project for a powerful, 2-hour multi-format movement experience dedicated to heart disease prevention and awareness. From high-intensity beats to soulful stretches, we’re moving with purpose to celebrate American Heart Month!
2026 COMMUNITY AWARD HONOREES
Lashawn Hutto
Recipient of the Darren T. Barbour Humanitarian Award
A dedicated healthcare leader with over 14 years of experience, Lashawn serves as a Cardiovascular Nurse Educator, guiding patients through the critical journey of cardiac recovery. Beyond the bedside, she is a Doctoral Candidate at George Washington University, where her research addresses the vital connection between mental health and hypertension in Black women.
Lashawn’s humanitarian impact is felt throughout the DMV. A Heart Health Ambassador for over seven years, she has worked tirelessly with the American Heart Association to turn medical knowledge into community power. Whether she is leading at the annual Heart Walk or educating local families on preventive care, Lashawn lives by the belief that "education is the heartbeat of recovery." Her life’s work ensures that patients don't just survive—they thrive with the confidence to heal.
Donnese Tyler
Recipient of The Spirit Of A Warrior Award
Donnese is a working mother of two whose life changed on October 5, 2022. While at a school meeting, she experienced what she thought was acid reflux; it was actually a SCAD (Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection)—a sudden tear in the artery wall often affecting healthy, active women. Despite having no clogged arteries or family history, Donnese became a heart attack survivor.
Refusing to be defined by her diagnosis, Donnese turned her recovery into a mission. As a 2023 AHA "Leader of Impact," she raised nearly $20,000 for heart research in just seven weeks. A powerful voice for SCAD awareness, she has shared her story on Good Morning America, NBC-4, and WUSA-9. From the stages of the Lawyers Have Heart 5K to the Women’s Health Symposium, Donnese stands as a true Warrior—proving that survival is just the beginning of the fight for others.
Our Mission
The Respect Yourself Project, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is dedicated to raising awareness and providing educational resources on heart disease and HIV in America. By emphasizing the importance of heart health and highlighting the link between cardiovascular wellness and HIV management, we strive to break stigmas and foster holistic well-being. Through events that blend music, fitness, and dance, we create engaging and informative experiences that empower communities to lead heart-healthy lives while managing and preventing HIV.
Our Vision
Our vision is a world where heart health is a priority for all and HIV stigma is a thing of the past. We aspire to create a community where individuals are empowered with the knowledge and resources to lead heart-healthy lives, while also fostering a compassionate and supportive environment for those affected by HIV. Through innovative events that blend music, fitness, and dance, we envision a future where everyone respects themselves and others, leading to healthier, happier lives.
Our Impact
For over 12 years, The Respect Yourself Project has been a beacon of hope and education in the community, tirelessly working to break the stigma surrounding HIV and promote heart health. Through our innovative events that combine music, fitness, and dance, we have reached thousands of individuals, providing them with critical knowledge and resources to lead healthier lives. Our efforts have not only increased awareness and understanding of HIV and heart disease but have also empowered individuals to take proactive steps in managing their health. We are proud to have built a supportive and compassionate community, where respect for oneself and others is at the core of our mission, leading to tangible improvements in the well-being of countless lives.
MAKE A DONATION
You can magnify the impact of your donation 12-fold by entering your donation as an automatic, recurring monthly gift!
