American Heart Association Names 15 Youth Heart Ambassadors to Combat Rising Health Challenges
The American Heart Association has selected 15 students with personal connections to heart disease and stroke as national ambassadors to promote physical and mental well-being, CPR training, and heart health awareness in schools nationwide.
The American Heart Association has selected 15 students from first through 12th grade as national Youth Heart Ambassadors for the 2025-26 school year to address rising mental and physical health challenges among young Americans. These ambassadors, representing the Association's Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge initiatives, will use their personal experiences with heart disease and stroke to encourage healthy habits and support children with heart conditions.
Each ambassador brings a unique connection to cardiovascular health issues. Ava, a third grader from West Virginia, was born with Tetralogy of Fallot and had open-heart surgery at three days old. Bodhi, a second grader from California, underwent open-heart surgery at age 3 to correct congenital heart defects. Dylan, a fourth grader from Oklahoma, was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and has undergone three surgeries. Heather, a 10th grader from California, survived cardiac arrest at school thanks to Hands-Only CPR and an AED, and now advocates for stronger cardiac emergency response plans in schools.
The ambassadors will promote physical and mental well-being, raise awareness of heart disease and stroke prevention, and advocate for Hands-Only CPR and AEDs in schools. Julianna, a sixth grader from Florida, was born with Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome and had a successful heart procedure in 2024. Diya, a ninth grader from Kentucky, was born with Transposition of the Great Arteries and underwent lifesaving surgery as an infant. Kate, a 12th grader from Missouri, has had three open-heart surgeries due to having a heart that's smaller on one side.
Ridge, a fourth grader from Texas, received a heart transplant in 2023 after three surgeries. Tyson (Ty), a third grader from Georgia, was born with Transposition of the Great Arteries and underwent emergency surgery. Zoey, a ninth grader from New Jersey, had surgery as an infant to repair holes in her heart. Charlotte, a fourth grader from Washington, was inspired by the loss of loved ones to teach others about heart health and CPR. Julian, a fifth grader from Texas, raises awareness inspired by his family's experiences with heart disease.
Karli, a fourth grader from Louisiana, honors her late father by encouraging heart-healthy living. Lucy, a fifth grader from Washington, became an advocate after her grandfather's diagnosis with congestive heart failure. Parker, a first grader from Michigan, is motivated by family health journeys to teach other kids about heart health. The Association's in-school programs are grounded in science and designed to improve physical and emotional well-being, support academic success, and help students feel confident in making a difference. Schools can register for the 2025-26 school year at heart.org/getstarted.