American Heart Association Names 15 Youth Heart Ambassadors to Combat Rising Health Challenges

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, making her a strong advocate for 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. Their personal stories highlight the importance of early intervention and ongoing care. Julianna, a sixth grader from Florida, had Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome corrected by 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.

Lee Shapiro, American Heart Association volunteer board chair, emphasized the impact these students will have. These terrific, motivated ambassadors are engaging with their peers making a real impact in their schools and communities, Shapiro said. 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.

The program addresses concerning health trends among youth, as noted in recent research published in JAMA that shows rising rates of chronic conditions and obesity. The in-school programs are grounded in science and designed to improve both physical and emotional well-being while supporting academic success. Schools can register for the 2025-26 school year at heart.org/getstarted to participate in these vital health initiatives.