(NewMediaWire) - August 06, 2024 - DALLAS — The American Heart Association, celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service in 2024 as a global force for healthier lives for all, is proud to announce the selection of 20 students from across the United States as the newest national Youth Heart Ambassadors. These young leaders, chosen from hundreds of applicants, will serve as the 2024-2025 ambassadors of the Association's in-school programs, Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™. The students will share their powerful stories to motivate and inspire their peers to adopt heart-healthy habits.

“The Youth Heart Ambassador role gives students a platform and voice to share their passion about heart health and advocate for the need to raise critical funding to end heart disease and stroke,” said Marsha Jones, American Heart Association volunteer board chair and former executive vice president and chief diversity officer for The PNC Financial Services Group. “These student leaders bring unique experiences that will resonate with their peers and drive meaningful change throughout the 2024-2025 school year.”

This year’s Youth Heart Ambassadors all have personal connections to heart disease and stroke, either through their own health challenges or those of loved ones. Their stories of resilience, advocacy and passion for heart health will be at the forefront of the Association's efforts to promote physical and mental well-being among students nationwide.  The twenty finalists were selected by the American Heart Association from more than 200 applications from across the country.

Meet the 2024-2025 national class of Youth Heart Ambassadors:

• As an infant, Amaya, a first grader from Hilo, Hawaii, had open-heart surgery after doctors discovered a hole in her heart.  
• Anushya, a seventh grader from Jacksonville, Florida is inspired by her grandfather’s fight with heart disease to live a healthy life and encourages her classmates to do the same. 
• Arianna, a fourth grader from Chapmanville, West Virginia was born with four heart defects and underwent open-heart surgery as a baby to remove her pulmonary valve.
• At just 10 days old, Brady, a fourth grader from Bristow, Virginia was rushed to the hospital and had open heart surgery two days later. Doctors repaired his heart and now Brady is a thriving nine-year-old.
• At seven years old, Camryn, a fourth grader from Lakewood Ranch, Florida, underwent surgery after doctors discovered a hole in her heart.
• Dalton, a fourth grader from Battle Creek, Michigan, was only a baby when he had a stroke. Today, Dalton is in good health and is excited to be a part of the Kids Heart Challenge because it helps others understand kids like him.
• Daniel, a 10th grader from Kendall Park, New Jersey, helped perform CPR on his dad after he collapsed from a heart attack. Daniel encourages everyone to learn CPR, especially kids, because they can save their loved one's life too.   
• When Everly, a first grader from Crystal Lake, Illinois was born, she was diagnosed with many critical heart defects that affect her life drastically. She has had many procedures and three open heart surgeries with a fourth one scheduled.
• Right after she was born, Hailey, a kindergartner from El Paso, Texas, was diagnosed with five heart defects and had to have surgery just a few hours after birth. At two years old, she had another open-heart surgery that did not go as expected, but Hailey hopes that her story can inspire others.
• After he was born, John, a second grader from Bixby, Oklahoma, was diagnosed with a heart condition and was given a pacemaker. He makes sure to take all his medication and regularly visit the doctor.
• Kara, a 12th grader, from Teaneck, New Jersey, was born with a heart condition and has had two open-heart surgeries. She takes care of herself now by staying very active and is grateful to have no restrictions.
• Kora, a fourth grader from Vancouver, Washington, champions a heart-healthy lifestyle in support of her mom who had a cardiac arrest and was saved by CPR.
• Lillianna, a second grader from Highlands Ranch, Colorado, is passionate about heart health and educating others on how to stay healthy and learn CPR.
• Micah, a third grader from Villa Rica, Georgia was diagnosed with a rare heart condition as a newborn. At seven months old, she had heart surgery that left her with no restrictions.
• Noah, a fourth grader from Duluth, Georgia, was born with three heart defects. He had two heart surgeries as a baby and is now very active.
• At just three days old, Poulima, a third grader from Santee, California suffered a cardiac arrest during his open-heart surgery. Luckily, doctors saved his life. Since then, he has had many surgeries and procedures to help his heart get stronger.
• While at basketball practice Ryder, a 12th grader from St. Augustine, Florida, went into sudden cardiac arrest and was saved by CPR and AED usage. Ryder is an advocate for heart health and getting the proper tests to check your body.
• Sai, a second grader from Arlington Heights, Illinois, was born with multiple heart defects. He had to stay in the hospital for two weeks until his heart was stable enough to go home. Although he still lives with a heart condition, Sai has not had to have any surgery.
• At nine years old, Sebastian Lemon, a fourth grader, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was diagnosed with a heart condition that prevents him from playing sports.
• Shiv, an 11th grader from Springfield, Missouri, participates in the American Heart Challenge to help fundraise and show support for all of his loved ones impacted by heart disease.

The Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge are dynamic service-learning fundraising programs that teach students how to improve their overall health while making a positive impact on others. Through engaging curriculums and interactive challenges, students get active, have fun, and raise essential funds for congenital heart defects, nutrition security, CPR training, mental well-being, and more. These efforts support the American Heart Association’s mission to create a world of longer, healthier lives.

Schools interested in participating in either Kids Heart Challenge or American Heart Challenge can register now for the school year.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173

Megan Ramsey: 980-613-9066; Megan.Ramsey@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org