LOGAN, WV, October 4, 2024— The American Heart Association, celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service in 2024, has selected a fourth grader at Logan Elementary School to serve as a volunteer national Youth Heart Ambassador for the 2024-2025 school year. Nine-year-old Arianna Chambers of Logan, WV, 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. Arianna, a fourth-grade student at Logan Elementary School, was inspired by the state’s first ever national Youth Heart Ambassador, Hillary Gore, and aspires to be the top fundraiser in her school and to encourage fellow child heart survivors that they can do anything.
“I love the American Heart Association because they help so many kids like me and I cannot wait to share my heart story with everyone through the Kids Heart Challenge,” said Chambers. “It is so much fun! I love everything about it and I will try to raise as much money as possible to help. I cannot wait to get started and I hope all my friends join me this year because it means a lot to me.”
“They’ve (American Heart Association) been an invaluable resource, helping us understand how to support Arianna in living a heart-healthy life,” said Traci Chambers-Robinson, Arianna’s mother. “Now, they’ve given her a platform to share her story and inspire other survivors like herself. She’s ready to make the most of it! For kids like Arianna, the future may be uncertain, but every day is a victory.”
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 emphasize the need to raise critical funding in their local community as they share the impact cardiovascular disease has had on their life.
“It is exciting to see Arianna excited to step up and share her voice and story to help others live heart healthy,” said Wendy Bradley, Development Director for Student Engagement for the American Heart Association. “Her experiences have been hard, but she is a spunky, vibrant, brave young lady who is ready for the job! I can’t wait to see her shine this year while making an impact in our local schools and in schools across the county!”
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 curriculum 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.
For Media Inquiries:
Kevin Pauley: kevin.pauley@heart.org
Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org