Seen, Heard, and Valued

Theresa Ramsfield (Patient Partner)

As a cardiovascular nurse, Theresa Ramsfield has spent years caring for patients with heart disease — but it wasn’t until her own experience with reproductive aging that she saw just how many gaps exist in women’s health.

Like many women, Theresa found herself navigating a stage of life where symptoms were often dismissed, misunderstood or simply accepted as something to endure. Even with her clinical background, getting clear answers and appropriate care wasn’t always straightforward.

That changed when she attended a women’s heart health conference and heard WCHRI-supported researcher Colleen Norris speak. The experience sparked an ongoing connection that soon led Theresa to become a patient partner, contributing to the development of Awareness and Understanding of Reproductive Aging (AURA) — a program designed to support women through reproductive aging.

For Theresa, the work is deeply personal. Drawing on both her professional expertise and lived experience, she helps ensure the program reflects what women actually need: accessible, evidence-based information and care that acknowledges the complexity of their health.

But her involvement has also reshaped her path forward. Inspired by what she’s seen, Theresa is now pursuing further education, with the goal of improving access to care for other women.

She’s also become a vocal advocate for change. “We need more funding for women’s health,” she says. “It’s time women are seen as worth investing in.”

Through research, Theresa is helping push that shift — so more women are supported, informed and able to move through this stage of life with confidence and the opportunity to thrive.

Thrive: Transforming lives for women and children