MADISON, Wisconsin (Aug. 28, 2023) — A senior at Wausau West High School has been selected by the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, to serve as a volunteer national Youth Heart Ambassador for the 2023-2024 school year. Audrey Doering will work closely with the American Heart Association’s in-school programs, Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™ to actively and passionately champion other children to establish healthy habits to better mental and physical well-being.

The American Heart Association accepted nominations from young people who have been affected by heart disease or stroke either through a personal diagnosis, diagnosis of a loved one, or has made a personal lifestyle change, to serve in the Youth Heart Ambassador role. Audrey was diagnosed with a congenital heart condition called Tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia and mapcas. She has had two open heart surgeries and seven cardiac procedures due to a congenital heart defect she shares with her twin sister.

“I am so honored and grateful for the opportunity to be a National Youth Ambassador for this school year!” Doering said. “Being an ambassador means a lot to me because of my own struggles with heart disease and I hope to spread congenital heart disease awareness by sharing my story.”

The 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 underscore the need for to raise critical funding as they share the impact cardiovascular disease has had on their life.  

“I did not know anyone growing up with a heart condition and by sharing my story, I hope that others going through similar experiences feel supported,” Doering said. “It is important to recognize that heart disease affects people in different ways and my goal this year is to contribute to the American Heart Association’s mission to the best of my ability to shed light on this issue.”

Rooted in physical activity, Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™ are service-learning programs that teach students how to improve their overall health while doing good for the health of others. Through interactive curriculums and various online challenges, participating students get active and have fun while raising funds and awareness for congenital heart defects, nutrition security, CPR training, mental well-being and more. These collective efforts help further the American Heart Association’s mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.

Schools interested in participating in either Kids Heart Challenge™ or American Heart Challenge™ receive expanded curriculum resources for both classrooms and in-home learning environments can register now for next school year. To learn more about our school programs please visit www.heart.org/getstarted. More information can be found online, 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 nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   
 

For Media Inquiries:
Travis Sloan: 608-957-5781; Travis.Sloan@heart.org
Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org