ANCHORAGE, Alaska, August 26, 2024 — The American Heart Association, celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service in 2024, has selected a third grader at East Elementary to serve as a volunteer Youth Heart Ambassador in Alaska for the 2024-2025 school year. 8-year-old Willow Stennett of Kodiak, Alaska 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 across Alaska 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.
Willow was born with a ventricular septal defect (VSD) and atrial septal defect (ASD), congenital heart defects that meant there were two holes in her heart. When she was four months old, she had open heart surgery. As a baby she experienced congestive heart failure, requiring her to visit the hospital frequently to receive treatment. Today, Willow still has regular check-ups with her doctor, but she can do nearly anything she wants. She leads an active lifestyle, whether she’s participating in acrodance, ballet or aerial silks, playing with her cats Chloe and Newt, or exploring the great outdoors hiking, tide pooling, fishing and picking berries with her family.
“When you have problems in your heart, sometimes it is not easy for other people to understand,” said Stennett. “I am healthy now and have a lot of energy, so people are surprised when they see my heart scar, g-tube and continuous glucose monitor. They think I'm just a normal healthy kid, but it's a lot of work to keep my heart and body healthy and strong. That’s one reason I’m looking forward to being an ambassador, so I can talk about my heart and help people understand it better.”
Youth Heart Ambassadors serve a one-year commitment as a volunteer for 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.
“It’s important for young people to use their voices to champion a heart-healthy lifestyle,” said Tiffany Lund, Development Director, School Engagement, American Heart Association, Alaska. “Willow has an incredible story to share, and we are excited to see the impact she will make on other students across Alaska.”
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. During the 2023-24 school year, 67 schools in Alaska completed the Kids Heart Challenge or American Heart Challenge programs. These included schools in Anchorage, Bethel, Chugiak, Delta Junction, Eagle River, Fairbanks, Kenai, Ketchikan, Kodiak, Palmer, North Pole, Salcha, Soldotna, Sterling and Wasilla.
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 the American Heart Association in Alaska on heart.org/Alaska, Facebook, Instagram, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Lily Gordon: lily.gordon@heart.org
Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org