EL PASO, Texas, Aug. 28, 2024 — The American Heart Association, celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service in 2024, has selected a kindergartener at Horizon Heights Elementary School to serve as a volunteer national Youth Heart Ambassador for the 2024-2025 school year. Five-year-old Hailey Garcia, daughter of Gabriela Mendoza Garcia and Martin Garcia, will work closely with the American Heart Association’s in-school programs, Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™ to passionately inspire peers to adopt healthier habits for improved mental and physical well-being.

The American Heart Association accepted nominations nationwide from young people who have been affected by heart disease or stroke. Youth with a personal diagnosis, a family history of cardiovascular disease, or a passion for leading a heart-healthy life were encouraged to apply for the Youth Heart Ambassador role.

Hailey was born with a congenital heart disease known as Tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia – a rare, severe form of CHD that occurs when the pulmonary valve doesn't form properly and is sealed, preventing enough oxygen-poor blood from flowing to the lungs. She underwent their first open-heart surgery to repair a pulmonary artery just hours after her birth. Hailey was in the hospital for two months and was fed by a feeding tube for her first year.

At age 2, she had a second open-heart surgery to replace a heart valve but her young body rejected the valve and a third surgery was needed, this time at a heart hospital in Palo Alto, Calif. Hailey loves to dance and jump and has spent the summer recovering and building her strength back for the school year.

She said the worst part about being in the hospital has been being separated from her older sister, Sophia. Hailey finally has the energy to play as she has wishes.

“I want people to know that it is an honor to be part of this challenge, and I’m hoping my story can inspire others to not give up ... that there is always hope,” Hailey said.

The Youth Heart Ambassadors serve a one-year commitment as a volunteer of the American Heart Association assisting the organization to be a relentless force for healthier lives for all. The position gives youth a voice to encourage, advocate and emphasize the need to raise critical funding in their local community as they share the impact cardiovascular disease has had on their life. 

The Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge are dynamic service-learning fundraising programs that teach students how to improve their overall health while making a positive impact on others. Through engaging curriculums and interactive challenges, students get active, have fun, and raise essential funds for congenital heart defects, nutrition security, CPR training, mental well-being and more. These efforts support the American Heart Association’s mission to create a world of longer, healthier lives.

Schools interested in participating in either Kids Heart Challenge or American Heart Challenge can register now for the 2024-2025 school year. More information about the Youth Heart Ambassadors can be found at, heart.org/youthambassadors.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. 

For Media Inquiries

Cyd King: cyd.king@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org