WINTERS, Texas, Aug. 25, 2026 — At just 11 years old, Anabel "Stitch" Valencia has already found her purpose: helping others. Now, the sixth-grade student at Winters Elementary School has been selected by the American Heart Association as a national Youth Heart Ambassador for the 2026-27 school year. As one of only 15 students nationwide chosen for the program and one of just five youth advocates selected, Anabel will help inspire young people across the country to build lifelong healthy habits and learn lifesaving skills.

Youth Heart Ambassadors serve alongside volunteers nationwide to support the American Heart Association's school-based programs, Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™, encouraging students to care for their hearts and help others.

For Anabel, the mission is personal. She was inspired after witnessing loved one’s battle heart disease. Her great-grandfather, William Clayton Woffenden, struggled with heart issues before his death, and another great-grandmother continues her own heart-health journey today. Seeing their experiences firsthand motivated her to become an advocate for heart health and helping others.

"Anabel embodies what it means to lead by example," said Molly Wright, school engagement officer for the American Heart Association. "She is passionate about helping others, committed to healthy living and eager to share lifesaving information with her peers. We're excited to see the impact she'll have as a national Youth Heart Ambassador."

Anabel hopes to use her new role to encourage kids to learn healthy habits early in life.

"I just really hope to teach kids starting young," Anabel said. "My friends have learned a lot, but I feel like kids can learn even more."

An active student-athlete, Anabel participates in basketball, softball and cheerleading. She focuses on staying healthy through nutritious food choices, regular physical activity and encouraging friends to make heart-healthy decisions. Instead of reaching for sugary snacks, she and her best friend often make healthier options such as avocado toast and fruit.

Her commitment to the American Heart Association extends far beyond healthy living. A dedicated Kids Heart Challenge participant, Anabel was her school's top fundraiser during the 2025-26 school year, raising more than $700 to support the Association's mission.

"I want everyone to know that the American Heart Association saves lives," Anabel said. "The Heart Challenge is not just about a competition; it's about raising funds to help save the lives of others."

As a national Youth Heart Ambassador, Anabel will help raise awareness about heart disease and stroke, advocate for healthy habits, promote Hands-Only CPR education and encourage support for the American Heart Association's mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.

When she's not busy with school, sports or Heart Challenge activities, Anabel dreams about a future career helping people in emergencies. Inspired by family members involved in emergency response and community service, she hopes to one day become a pediatric physical therapist.

Whether she's encouraging classmates to learn Hands-Only CPR, modeling healthy habits or sharing her family's story, Anabel hopes her ambassador role will make a lasting difference.

"Kids should be able to live their life and enjoy the things kids should be able to do," she said.

Backed by science, the American Heart Association's Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge teach students how to care for their hearts, minds and bodies through age-appropriate lessons and activities in more than 20,000 schools nationwide. The programs encourage students to get active, build confidence and support lifesaving research and education focused on heart disease and stroke prevention.

Schools can register now to take part in the Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge programs for the 2026-27 school year. Nominations for Youth Heart Ambassadors are accepted year-round. To learn more or apply to become a future Youth Heart Ambassador, visit 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. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than a 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