In an era where youth face unprecedented mental and physical health challenges, the American Heart Association (AHA) has taken a pivotal step to inspire change and resilience among the younger generation. On August 20, 2025, the organization announced its selection of 15 exceptional students, spanning first to twelfth grades, as national Youth Heart Ambassadors for the 2025-26 school year. This initiative aims to empower young individuals with firsthand experience related to heart disease and stroke to become advocates for cardiovascular health in their communities across the United States.
The reality of congenital and acquired heart conditions among children and adolescents is both profound and complex. Each Youth Heart Ambassador embodies a unique journey through these challenges, ranging from early surgical interventions for critical cardiac defects to survival after acute cardiac events. By leveraging their narratives, these ambassadors provide a compelling, personal dimension to medical discussions typically dominated by statistical data and clinical jargon, thus enhancing public engagement and awareness.
Congenital heart defects, a leading cause of infant morbidity and mortality, are represented poignantly by several of the selected ambassadors. For example, Ava from West Virginia was born with Tetralogy of Fallot, a multifaceted congenital anomaly that involves ventricular septal defect, pulmonary stenosis, right ventricular hypertrophy, and an overriding aorta. Undergoing open-heart surgery mere days after birth, her survival and active lifestyle exemplify advances in pediatric cardiology and surgical techniques that have dramatically improved outcomes for complex cases.
Similarly, Bodhi from California illustrates the multidisciplinary approach necessary for managing congenital heart disease. After surgery at age three to correct multiple heart malformations, his regimen of physical activities, including karate and dance, underscores the essential role of lifestyle factors and physical rehabilitation in maintaining cardiac health post-intervention. This reflects an evolving paradigm in cardiology where holistic care complements surgical success.
Another ambassador, Dylan from Oklahoma, born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), epitomizes the severity and intricacy inherent in single-ventricle physiology. HLHS is characterized by underdevelopment of left heart structures, necessitating a series of staged surgical procedures to reconfigure circulatory pathways and sustain systemic perfusion. His ongoing advocacy draws attention to the necessity of research into improving long-term outcomes and quality of life for patients undergoing complex palliation.
Beyond congenital defects, the ambassadors’ experiences also include critical incidents such as cardiac arrest in youth, which Heather from California survived thanks to timely Hands-Only CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) intervention. This event highlights the lifesaving potential of emergency response preparedness in schools, an area where the American Heart Association continues to campaign vigorously. Heather’s advocacy for robust cardiac emergency protocols underscores public health strategies aimed at reducing mortality from sudden cardiac events.
Several ambassadors grapple with arrhythmias, such as Julianna from Florida, who was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome (WPW). WPW is a conduction disorder that produces an accessory pathway between the atria and ventricles, facilitating episodes of supraventricular tachycardia. Advances in electrophysiologic mapping and catheter ablation have transformed the prognosis of WPW, enabling symptom resolution and reducing the risk of sudden cardiac death, a fact that Julianna’s story illuminates powerfully.
The complexity of congenital heart anomalies is further exemplified by Diya from Kentucky, living with Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA), wherein the aorta and pulmonary artery are switched, disrupting the normal oxygenation of systemic blood. Surgical correction shortly after birth is critical for survival. Diya’s commitment to maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise exemplifies secondary prevention principles critical in chronic cardiac care.
Kate from Missouri, a twelfth grader, takes a different yet equally inspiring perspective, having undergone multiple surgeries due to an asymmetrically small heart. Her narrative focuses on adaptive coping mechanisms and the psychological resilience necessary to confront the functional limitations imposed by cardiac conditions. This holistic approach aligns with contemporary cardiology’s emphasis on integrative care encompassing physical and mental health dimensions.
Among the advocates are recipients of heart transplantation, such as Ridge from Texas. Following a heart transplant in 2023 after multiple surgeries, Ridge’s story brings to the fore the advancements in immunosuppression, organ allocation, and post-operative care that have substantially extended survival and quality of life for pediatric transplant patients. His role in heart health advocacy underscores the importance of donor awareness and support for transplant medicine.
The mission of these Youth Heart Ambassadors extends into community education and preventative health promotion. For instance, Tyson from Georgia, also born with TGA and having undergone emergency cardiac surgery, leverages his involvement in sports to inspire peers about the importance of physical activity and nutrition for cardiac wellness. This emphasis on preventative cardiology reflects a public health shift toward addressing modifiable risk factors from an early age.
Ambassadors like Zoey from New Jersey and Charlotte from Washington shed light on the impact of early surgical intervention for structural defects and the subsequent opportunities for healthy adolescence and athletic participation. Zoey’s advocacy for CPR training in schools resonates with the AHA’s broader campaign to disseminate lifesaving skills among youth, enhancing community resilience against cardiac emergencies.
The youth leaders also address the emotional toll of cardiovascular diseases, particularly when motivated by personal loss, as seen with Karli from Louisiana, whose father succumbed to heart disease. Her voice amplifies the often-overlooked psychosocial aspects of chronic health conditions and the importance of mental health support intertwined with physical well-being. This holistic advocacy is vital for comprehensive public health messaging.
Educational programs like the AHA’s Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™ play an essential role in equipping schools with scientifically grounded curricula designed to improve students’ physical and emotional health. These initiatives foster academic success and empower students to become agents of change, reinforcing the intersection between education, health literacy, and community engagement.
Through this national cohort of Youth Heart Ambassadors, the American Heart Association exemplifies a transformative model that blends personal narrative, scientific understanding, and public health advocacy. Their involvement embodies the dynamic potential of youth to influence broader societal attitudes toward cardiovascular disease prevention, emergency response, and health equity.
Institutions and educators are encouraged to engage with these programs by registering at heart.org/getstarted and to cultivate future leaders by learning more about becoming Youth Heart Ambassadors at heart.org/youthambassador. This ongoing initiative reflects a commitment to fostering a culture of heart health that transcends generations, ensuring longevity, vitality, and equity in cardiovascular care.
Subject of Research: Youth engagement and advocacy in cardiovascular health; congenital and acquired heart disease in children and adolescents; preventative cardiology and emergency response education.
Article Title: American Heart Association Empowers Youth with Heart Conditions to Lead National Advocacy Efforts for Cardiovascular Health
News Publication Date: August 20, 2025
Web References:
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/congenital-heart-defects
- http://www.heart.org/getstarted
- http://www.heart.org/youthambassador
References:
Forrest, Christopher B., et al. “Trends in US Children’s Mortality, Chronic Conditions, Obesity, Functional Status, and Symptoms.” JAMA Network, July 7, 2025, jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2836060.
Keywords: Heart, Young people, Public health, Congenital heart defects, Pediatric cardiology, Arrhythmia, Cardiac arrest, Heart transplantation, Health advocacy, Youth leadership
