MOUNT VERNON, Texas, Oct. 7, 2026 — While most 5-year-olds are focused on making friends and learning new things in kindergarten, Emma Simpson is also helping her classmates understand the importance of heart health.

Emma, a congenital heart defect survivor who underwent open-heart surgery at just 12 days old, represents children with special hearts through the American Heart Association's Kids Heart Challenge™, a school-based program that teaches healthy habits, physical activity and lifesaving skills.

For Emma, the program is personal.

Today, she is an active 5-year-old who runs, plays and keeps up with her classmates. Most people would never know she underwent open-heart surgery as an infant.

After her parents noticed unusual breathing shortly after birth, Emma was rushed to a children's hospital in Dallas, where doctors discovered several serious congenital heart defects that had gone undetected during pregnancy. She spent a week in intensive care before undergoing lifesaving surgery.

The surgery was successful.

"From a heart standpoint, now she is healthy and happy," said her mother, Jocee Simpson. "You would never know she had any issues after surgery. She's your typical 5-year-old."

Congenital heart defects are the most common birth defect in the United States, affecting nearly 40,000 babies each year. Through Kids Heart Challenge, students learn how to keep their hearts, bodies and brains healthy while helping children with special hearts live longer, healthier lives.

"Heart disease starts earlier than most people think, and so does the power to prevent it," said Jana Krohn, school engagement director for the American Heart Association in East Texas. "Kids Heart Challenge helps students build healthy habits, learn lifesaving skills and understand how they can make a difference for others."

This year's Kids Heart Challenge theme, Activate Your Heart Power, encourages students to move more, eat well, sleep better, be kind and avoid tobacco and vaping products.

Emma's story highlights the impact congenital heart defects can have on families and why the American Heart Association is committed to helping children build lifelong healthy habits while supporting advances in congenital heart defect research and care.

Now thriving in her first year at Mount Vernon Elementary, Emma proudly embraces her journey as a heart survivor.

The scar on her chest from surgery is not something she hides. Her family calls it her "zipper."

"We tell her all the time that her zipper is so cool," her mother said.

Emma's "zipper" is a reminder of her strength and resilience and offers hope to other families navigating congenital heart defects.

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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

Cyd King: cyd.king@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org