SEATTLE, Sept. 3, 2024 — The American Heart Association, celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service in 2024, has selected nine students from schools across Washington State to serve as volunteer Youth Heart Ambassadors for the 2024-2025 school year. The Ambassadors 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.
- Caleigh Byers, age 13, Columbia Middle School, Moses Lake. When Caleigh was in the fifth grade, her watch alerted her mother to a fast heartbeat for extended periods of time. Her family took Caleigh to the doctor to be evaluated and she was diagnosed with tachycardia. Initially, no treatment was recommended. Later in gym class she experienced an incident with chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness and that incident led to more medical visits and eventually a diagnosis of a rare heart condition which would require open heart surgery. Caleigh underwent the surgery in 2023 and today she is an active middle school student hoping to one day become a cardiologist.
- Blake Camus, age 9, Peter G Schmidt Elementary, Tumwater. Blake was born with multiple congenital heart defects including Pulmonary Atresia and a Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) which means he had no blood flow from his heart to his lungs due to a pulmonary artery defect and a hole in his heart (VSD). Blake’s medical team determined he would need not one, but three, open heart surgeries to fix his heart. Today, Blake is doing well and although he is not able to play all sports due to his special heart, he is able to enjoy baseball, basketball, and golf. He is serving as a Youth Heart Ambassador to raise awareness and help doctors learn new and better ways to treat kids with special hearts.
- Kassia Dahlin, age 9, Selah Intermediate School, Selah. Kassia was born with a congenital heart defect called atrial ventricular septal defect (AVSD) and initially experienced no symptoms. At about 18-months of age, her family noticed she stopped growing and would tire easily. Her medical team determined that it was time for open heart surgery to repair several holes in her heart. Kassia underwent the operation at 2-years-old and since then, Kassia hasn’t stopped running.
- Maia Dahlin, age 11, Selah Intermediate School, Selah. When Maia was only four years old, she watched her younger sister Kassia battle heart disease and undergo open heart surgery. This was a life changing experience for young Maia who was concerned for Kassia, her best friend and playmate. Her sister’s journey helped shape Maia’s advocacy for good heart health among her school peers and inspired her passion for the Kids Heart Challenge.
- Mili Gentzkow, age 15, Bishop Blanchet High School, Seatle. Mili was born with a congenital heart defect called tetralogy of Fallot. In 14 years, Mili has undergone two open heart surgeries and a cardiac Cath procedure. She anticipates more surgeries in the future and shares her story to inspire kids to help others with special hearts and to raise funds for innovative science which could help her in the future.
- Avery Hultz, age 9, Ignite Family Academy, Olympia. When Avery was 2-years-old she fell ill and was admitted to the hospital. It was determined she had a coronary artery dilation due to Kawasaki Disease and she would need to take medicine to get better. The medication worked and Avery was able to return to her active life. Today she pays extra attention to heart health to ensure a healthy future.
- Aescher Oberoi, age 10, Black Lake Elementary, Tumwater. When Aescher was 7-years-old he began to experience periods where his heart would beat very fast. His family sought medical attention and learned he has Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT), the most common heart arrhythmia in infants and children. In Aescher’s case, treatment was required and he underwent a procedure to help his heart retain a regular heartbeat. The procedure was a success and today Aescher keeps his heart healthy by playing soccer and basketball.
- Aidree Reus, age 9, Enatai Elementary School, Yarrow Point. Aidree was born with a congenital heart defect called Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) which required her to have open heart surgery to repair a hole in her heart at two months old. Since then, she’s been active and adventurous to keep her heart healthy and strong. She shares her story to encourage others to take care of their heart and to raise awareness and funds for people with special hearts so everyone can get the help they need.
- Sooahn Yang, age 16, Skyline High School, Sammamish. Sooahn has witnessed her grandmother’s long recovery from a stroke. That experience propelled her interest in volunteering as a Youth Heart Ambassador. She wants to raise awareness and funds so other families can avoid her experience.
In addition to these regional ambassadors, Kora Copeland, age 8, from Vancouver was selected by the American Heart Association to serve as a National Youth Heart Ambassador. Kora, who is in the fourth grade, is championing a heart-healthy lifestyle in support of her mom who experienced cardiac arrest and was saved by CPR.
The American Heart Association accepted nominations nationwide from young people who have been affected by heart disease or stroke, whether they have a personal diagnosis, a family history of cardiovascular disease or a passion for leading a heart-healthy life. All selected Youth Heart Ambassadors will serve a one-year commitment as a volunteer of the American Heart Association assisting the organization by adding a youth voice to the mission of the Association. They will use that voice to encourage healthy lifestyle choices, advocate for healthier public policies and emphasize the need to raise critical funds in their local community.
“I am continually inspired by the stories and messages of the Youth Heart Ambassadors. As a board member of the American Heart Association, I am looking forward to seeing the impact these students have on their communities and across Washington this school year,” said Chad Brown, chair-elect board of directors, American Heart Association, Puget Sound. “My twins participate in the Kids Heart Challenge at their school and as a parent, I appreciate the curriculum which includes lessons on making heart healthy choices. These lessons set an important foundation for a lifetime of health and philanthropy that kids take will take into their future.”
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. To reach the American Heart Association in Washington visit heart.org/Washington or on Facebook, Instagram or X.
For Media Inquiries:
Valerie Koch, Valerie.koch@heart.org
Francesca Minas, Francesca.minas@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org