ATLANTA, August 15, 2023 — Five students, ranging in age from six to 12, have been selected by the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, to serve as volunteer local Youth Heart Ambassadors for the 2023-2024 school year. Each student will work closely with the American Heart Association’s in-school programs, Kids Heart Challenge™ ™ and American Heart Challenge™™ to actively champion other children to establish healthy habits for better mental and physical well-being across Georgia.
The American Heart Association accepted nominations from young people who have been affected by heart disease or stroke either through a personal diagnosis, diagnosis of a loved one, or has made a personal lifestyle change, to serve in the Youth Heart Ambassador role. The selected 2023-2024 Georgia Youth Heart Ambassadors include:
Jack Bauer of Canton, Ga., grade 1
- A congenital heart defect survivor that was born with Heterotaxy Syndrome which led to multiple congenital heart defects.
Edith Benson of Canton, Ga., grade 2
- A congenital heart defect survivor who was born with a ventricular septal defect and congenital complete AV block. She’s had 3 open heart surgeries and now lives with a pacemaker.
Dylan Whitaker of Locust Grove, Ga., grade 5
- A heart health advocate whose older sister suffered from heart malfunction at birth and lost his brother due to under development of his heart at just nine days old.
Caitlyn Wiley, of Hoschton, Ga., grade 6
- A congenital heart defect survivor who was born with tetralogy of fallot.
Wynn McBrayer of Villa Rica, Ga., grade 7
- A congenital heart defect survivor who was born with a rare form of tetralogy of fallot.
The Youth Heart Ambassadors serve a one-year volunteer commitment to the American Heart Association assisting the organization in giving youth a voice to encourage, advocate and underscore the need to raise critical funds as they share the impact cardiovascular disease has had on their lives.
“It’s exciting to see our local youth share their voices and experiences to help others live heart healthy lives,” said Scott Webb, board chairman of the American Heart Association in metro Atlanta and vice president, account services, Pointnext Technology Services at Hewlett Packard Enterprise. “I’m inspired by each one of their incredible stories and excited to see the impact they will make in our local schools.”
Rooted in physical activity, Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™ are service-learning programs that teach students how to improve their overall health while doing good for the health of others. Through interactive curriculums and various online challenges, participating students get active and have fun while raising funds and awareness of congenital heart defects, nutrition security, CPR training, mental well-being and more.
Schools interested in participating in either Kids Heart Challenge™ or American Heart Challenge™ can register now for next school year. To learn more about the Association’s school programs visit www.heart.org/getstarted. For more about the Youth Ambassadors visit www.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. 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 nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Erin Thomas; Erin.Thomas@heart.org
Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
