Nine-year-old Brady Petrauskas, a fourth grader at Victory Elementary in Bristow, VA, has been selected as a volunteer national Youth Heart Ambassador for the 2024-25 school year by the American Heart Association. This prestigious honor recognizes Brady’s dedication to promoting heart health and inspiring his peers to adopt healthier habits. Brady, who is an Aortic Coarctation survivor, has overcome significant health challenges since he was just 10 days old. His personal experience with heart disease has fueled his passion for raising awareness and advocating for better research and care for pediatric heart patients.
Brady’s selection as a Youth Heart Ambassador is a testament to his commitment to making a difference in the fight against cardiovascular disease. He has been actively involved with the American Heart Association for three years, serving as an award-winning youth ambassador and supporting fundraising efforts to advance research on heart health. Brady’s story serves as an inspiration to others, demonstrating the importance of resilience, positivity, and advocacy in the face of adversity.
“We all want to be like Brady when we grow up! He’s a special soul who spreads joy and strength, and heart awareness everywhere he goes,” said Brady’s mom, Kerry. “He possesses all the qualities to truly change the world.”
In his role as a Youth Heart Ambassador, Brady will work closely with the American Heart Association’s in-school programs, Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™, to encourage his peers to prioritize their mental and physical well-being. These programs empower students to take charge of their health through engaging curriculums and interactive challenges that promote physical activity, nutrition, CPR training, and more. By participating in these initiatives, Brady hopes to inspire a new generation of young people to lead heart-healthy lives and make a positive impact on their communities.
“Despite being only nine, Brady has long been an essential voice here in the Greater Washington Region. Brady and his family generously share their experience so that others can learn from them,” said Dr. Ameya Kulkarni, Board Chair and Associate Medical Director at Kaiser Permanente. “Brady has an incredible story, and we are excited to see the impact he will make in our local schools and in schools across the country.”
The Youth Heart Ambassadors play a vital role in raising awareness about cardiovascular disease and advocating for critical funding to support research and education initiatives. By sharing their personal stories and experiences, these young ambassadors serve as powerful advocates for heart health in their communities. Through their efforts, they help advance the American Heart Association’s mission to create a world of longer, healthier lives for all.
Schools interested in participating in the Kids Heart Challenge or American Heart Challenge programs for the 2024-25 school year can register now to get involved. These dynamic service-learning fundraising programs offer students the opportunity to improve their health while making a positive impact on others. By joining these initiatives, students can learn valuable skills, promote heart health, and contribute to life-saving research efforts.
As the American Heart Association celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2024, it remains committed to its mission of ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with various organizations and the dedication of millions of volunteers, the association continues to fund innovative research, advocate for public health, and share lifesaving resources. As the organization looks ahead to its second century of impact, it aims to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere.
Brady Petrauskas’s appointment as a Youth Heart Ambassador is a shining example of the power of youth advocacy in promoting heart health and wellness. His story of resilience, advocacy, and determination serves as an inspiration to all who have faced challenges and overcome them with courage and grace. As Brady embarks on his journey as a national representative for the American Heart Association, he carries with him the hopes and dreams of a healthier, happier future for all.