PITTSBURGH, Dec. 12, 2024— The American Heart Association, celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service in 2024, has selected a student from Holy Cross Academy in the North Hills to serve as a volunteer national Youth Heart Ambassador for the 2024-2025 school year. 10-year-old Sebastian Lemon of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 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. Sebastian is an outgoing courageous young man with a warm smile and loves to play sports. At 9-years-old, he noticed he was having a hard time breathing while being active. Many doctors thought he was okay until the right doctor found his heart condition. Sebastian was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, a rare, progressive disease that causes high blood pressure in the lungs’ pulmonary arteries. As a result, Sebastian is unable to play sports anymore and visits the doctor often. He knows he has a lifelong condition but feels better on his medication and eats healthy to prevent other problems.
“I want to share my story so people can learn and support the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge/American Heart Challenge,” said Sebastian Lemon. “The research is so important because it helps kids like me with special hearts.”
Eric and Amanda Lemon are Sebastian’s parents and added, “We are thankful that Sebastian continues to be an advocate for his health. We are so proud that he is spreading awareness on the importance of listening to your body, being your own advocate and learning ways to help others. The AHA Kid’s Heart Challenge is an amazing way to get children involved in learning the importance of heart health and how to save lives.”
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.
“It’s exciting to see one of our local youth recognized as one of only three youths nationally to share their voice and experience to help others live heart healthy,” said Leeanna McKibben, DHA, MSN, chief of staff for the Health Sciences and vice chancellor and vice dean for Administration at the University of Pittsburgh, and board chairperson for the American Heart Association Greater Pittsburgh. “Sebastian is an amazing kid with an incredible story to share, and we are excited to see the impact he will make in our local schools and across the country.”
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 here. 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:
Karen Colbert, karen.colbert@heart.org