15 students selected for national health leadership role

DALLAS, Aug. 24, 2026 - As youth health challenges continue to grow in the United States[1], 15 passionate students from across the country are stepping up to help. The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, has named the 2026-27 class of national Youth Heart Ambassadors for Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™, the Association's school-based fundraising programs that teach students heart-healthy habits and lifesaving skills.

This year's class of national Youth Heart Ambassadors was selected from a pool of applicants nationwide. The volunteer role gives students a platform to raise awareness by sharing how they have been impacted by heart disease and stroke, while they inspire healthier habits in their schools and communities and raise lifesaving funds.

"Youth Heart Ambassadors bring the mission of the American Heart Association to life in a way only young people can," said Lee A. Shapiro, J.D., volunteer chair of the American Heart Association and managing partner and co-founder at 7wireVentures, an investment firm headquartered in Chicago. "Their stories serve as a reminder that heart disease and stroke can impact people of all ages, and that every child can play a part in creating a healthier future."

Each Youth Heart Ambassador class is made up of survivors and advocates who are chosen based on their personal experience with heart disease and stroke and passion for helping others live longer, healthier lives.

Meet the 2026-27 national Youth Heart Ambassadors:

Ariana, 2nd grade, Iowa - Born with a ventricular septal defect, a hole in the lower part of her heart, Ariana had open-heart surgery when she was just 7 weeks old. Today she has no limitations and wants to help make a difference.

Anabel, 6th grade, Texas - Anabel lost her great-grandfather to heart disease, and her great-grandmother is still fighting heart issues today. She wants to pursue a career where she can ensure more families get the care they need.

Brooklyn, 8th grade, Louisiana - Brooklyn is passionate about women's heart health after learning that heart disease affects more women than any other health condition. She wants to teach students about heart health and lifesaving CPR.

Dallas, 2nd grade, Texas - Born 10 weeks early, Dallas' heart stopped during delivery, and doctors later found two holes in his heart. He shares his story so other kids can learn to take care of their hearts.

Eli, 5th grade, Texas - Eli was born with pulmonary atresia and a ventricular septal defect, meaning the valve that sends blood to his lungs didn't form the right way and he had a hole in his heart. He wants to help others learn how to be heart-healthy.

Eloise, 3rd grade, Washington - Doctors found holes in Eloise's heart and valves that didn't work the right way when she was 3, and she needed open-heart surgery to fix them. She wants to become a nurse one day and help other kids with special hearts.

Enoch, 12th grade, California - Heart disease has affected Enoch's family for years, taking his grandfather and uncle, and he now watches his dad work to keep his heart healthy. He wants to break the cycle and dreams of becoming a heart surgeon.

Hope, 11th grade, North Carolina - Born with a ventricular septal defect, a hole in the lower part of her heart, Hope had open-heart surgery but now feels strong. She wants to raise awareness and support lifesaving research and dreams of becoming a doctor.

Jamie, 2nd grade, Florida - A heart screening at age 6 found a small hole in Jamie's heart, and doctors later treated a fast heart rhythm called supraventricular tachycardia. Today he feels strong and encourages others to have healthy habits.

Kelby, 9th grade, Missouri - Kelby was born with two large blood vessels switched and a hole in his heart, and he had open-heart surgery when he was just 3 days old. He is proud of his scar and shares his story to help save lives.

Kenzie, 10th grade, Washington - Kenzie was born with a heart rhythm problem called supraventricular tachycardia, which makes the heart beat very quickly, and had a procedure to fix the cause. She encourages others to learn lifesaving CPR.

Mia, 2nd grade, New Jersey - Born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, meaning one side of her heart didn't fully develop, Mia spent five months in the hospital and has had several surgeries. She is proud to have a special heart and wants to help others.

Oliver, 4th grade, Virginia - Born with Tetralogy of Fallot, a condition that means his heart didn't form in the usual way, Oliver has had several surgeries, including a new heart valve. He wants other kids with heart conditions to know they're not alone.

Talia, 10th grade, New Jersey - Heart disease and stroke have touched many people in Talia's family, from her grandfather's heart surgery to her aunt's heart attack at a young age. She wants to be an advocate so more people can live longer, healthier lives.

Zavian, 6th grade, Nebraska - Both of Zavian's grandfathers had heart attacks, which made him want to help other families keep their hearts healthy. He dreams of becoming a firefighter one day to help people when they need it most.
For nearly 50 years, the Association has been working with educators in elementary, middle and high schools across the nation to help educate students about healthy living. Backed by science, Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge are service-learning fundraising programs that empower students to build healthy habits, strengthen character and discover purpose while raising lifesaving funds.

Schools can register now to take part in Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge for the 2026-27 school year. Applications for Youth Heart Ambassadors are accepted year-round. To learn more or apply 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: [email protected]

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

heart.org and stroke.org