(NewMediaWire) - August 20, 2025 - DALLAS — With young Americans facing rising rates of mental and physical health challenges[1], the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, is enlisting a new class of Youth Heart Ambassadors to spark change in schools and communities nationwide.
The Association selected 15 first through 12th grade students from across the country as national Youth Heart Ambassadors for the 2025-26 school year. Representing the Association’s Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™ initiatives, the student ambassadors will use their personal connection to heart disease and stroke to encourage others to adopt healthy habits and support children with heart conditions.
“These terrific, motivated ambassadors are engaging with their peers making a real impact in their schools and communities,” said Lee Shapiro, American Heart Association volunteer board chair and managing partner at 7wireVentures. “Their experiences, leadership and compassion will help build a culture of health for future generations, one child, one story and one heartbeat at a time.”
Each Youth Heart Ambassador has a personal connection to heart disease or stroke, whether as a survivor or a student advocate, and brings a unique voice to the cause. Together, they’ll promote the importance of physical and mental well-being, raise awareness of heart disease and stroke prevention and advocate for Hands-Only CPR and AEDs in schools.
Meet the 2025-26 national Youth Heart Ambassadors:
- Ava, third grade, West Virginia – Born with Tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart defect that involves four heart problems, Ava had open-heart surgery at just three days old. She stays active and positive and says her heart makes her feel special.
- Bodhi, second grade, California – After undergoing open-heart surgery at age 3 to correct congenital heart defects, Bodhi now keeps his heart healthy through karate, dance and good nutrition.
- Dylan, fourth grade, Oklahoma – Born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, meaning the left side of his heart didn’t fully develop, Dylan has since undergone three surgeries. Now he shares his story to support advancements and awareness for children with special hearts.
- Heather, 10th grade, California – After surviving a cardiac arrest at school thanks to Hands-Only CPR and an AED, Heather advocates for stronger cardiac emergency response plans in schools.
- Julianna, sixth grade, Florida – Julianna was born with Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, an arrhythmia that causes the electrical pathways between the heart’s upper and lower chambers to malfunction. After a successful heart procedure in 2024, she now encourages others to care for their health.
- Diya, ninth grade, Kentucky – Diya was born with Transposition of the Great Arteries, a condition where the main arteries in her heart were switched, and underwent lifesaving surgery as an infant. She stays healthy by eating fruits and vegetables and being active.
- Kate, 12th grade, Missouri – Kate has had three open-heart surgeries due to having a heart that’s smaller on one side. While her condition causes her to have limitations, she focuses on what she can do and uses her voice to inspire others.
- Ridge, fourth grade, Texas – After three surgeries and a heart transplant in 2023, Ridge now has a new lease on life and shares his story to help support the Heart Association’s mission.
- Tyson (“Ty”), third grade, Georgia – Ty was born with Transposition of the Great Arteries and had to undergo emergency surgery. Today, he protects his heart by making healthy choices and playing sports.
- Zoey, ninth grade, New Jersey – Zoey had surgery as an infant to repair holes in her heart. She is now a healthy teenager and thrives as an athlete and CPR advocate.
- Charlotte, fourth grade, Washington – Inspired by the loss of loved ones, Charlotte uses her voice to teach others about heart health and how CPR can save lives.
- Julian, fifth grade, Texas – With a dream of becoming a doctor, Julian has been inspired by his family’s experiences with heart disease and now raises awareness as a youth leader.
- Karli, fourth grade, Louisiana – Karli honors her late father by encouraging others to live heart-healthy lives and sharing physical and mental health tips with her friends.
- Lucy, fifth grade, Washington – After her grandfather’s diagnosis with congestive heart failure, Lucy became an advocate for heart health to help families like hers.
- Parker, first grade, Michigan – Motivated by the health journeys of several family members, Parker is passionate about teaching other kids how to stay heart-healthy and learn lifesaving skills.
The American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge in-school programs are grounded in science and designed to improve both physical and emotional well-being, support academic success and help students feel confident in their ability to make a difference.
Schools can register now for the 2025-26 school year at heart.org/getstarted. To learn how to become a future Youth Heart Ambassador, visit heart.org/youthambassador.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Afton Fairchild: afton.fairchild@heart.org
Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
