The American Heart Association has chosen 20 students from different parts of the United States to be the national Youth Heart Ambassadors for the 2024-2025 school year. These young leaders will be ambassadors for the Association’s in-school programs, Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™. They will share their personal stories to inspire their peers to adopt heart-healthy habits.
These students have all been affected by heart disease or stroke in some way, whether through their own health struggles or those of their loved ones. The finalists were selected from over 200 applications from around the country. Each student has a unique story to tell:
– Amaya, a first grader from Hilo, Hawaii, had open-heart surgery as an infant.
– Anushya, a seventh grader from Jacksonville, Florida, is motivated by her grandfather’s battle with heart disease.
– Arianna, a fourth grader from Chapmanville, West Virginia, underwent open-heart surgery as a baby.
– Brady, a fourth grader from Bristow, Virginia, had open-heart surgery at just 10 days old.
– Camryn, a fourth grader from Lakewood Ranch, Florida, had surgery at seven years old.
– Dalton, a fourth grader from Battle Creek, Michigan, had a stroke as a baby.
– Daniel, a 10th grader from Kendall Park, New Jersey, performed CPR on his dad during a heart attack.
– Everly, a first grader from Crystal Lake, Illinois, has had multiple heart surgeries.
– Hailey, a kindergartner from El Paso, Texas, was born with five heart defects.
– John, a second grader from Bixby, Oklahoma, was given a pacemaker as a baby.
– Kara, a 12th grader from Teaneck, New Jersey, has had two open-heart surgeries.
– Kora, a fourth grader from Vancouver, Washington, advocates for a heart-healthy lifestyle.
– Lillianna, a second grader from Highlands Ranch, Colorado, educates others on heart health.
– Micah, a third grader from Villa Rica, Georgia, was diagnosed with a rare heart condition as a newborn.
– Noah, a fourth grader from Duluth, Georgia, was born with three heart defects.
– Poulima, a third grader from Santee, California, suffered a cardiac arrest at three days old during surgery.
– Ryder, a 12th grader from St. Augustine, Florida, went into sudden cardiac arrest at basketball practice.
– Sai, a second grader from Arlington Heights, Illinois, was born with multiple heart defects.
– Sebastian Lemon, a fourth grader from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was diagnosed with a heart condition at nine years old.
– Shiv, an 11th grader from Springfield, Missouri, participates in the American Heart Challenge to support loved ones affected by heart disease.
These students will be participating in the Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge programs, which teach students how to improve their health while making a positive impact on others. The programs focus on congenital heart defects, nutrition security, CPR training, mental well-being, and more. Schools interested in getting involved can register now for the upcoming school year.
The American Heart Association is dedicated to promoting longer, healthier lives for all. Through collaboration and advocacy, the Association funds research, advocates for public health, and provides life-saving resources. As they celebrate their 100th year in 2024, they continue to work towards a world of better health and well-being for everyone.