American Heart Association youth volunteers inspire healthy living in local communities nationwide
The American Heart Association, celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service in 2024, has selected a fifth grader at New Castle Elementary to serve as a volunteer local Youth Heart Ambassador for the 2024-2025 school year. 10-year-old Abby Larsen of Virginia Beach, VA 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. Abby Larsen, a fifth-grade student at New Castle Elementary, was born blue with tetralogy of fallot and had open-heart surgery at 3 months old, then again at 8 months old. She will have to undergo another procedure when she reaches adolescence.
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’s exciting to see one of our local youth share their voice and experience to help others live heart healthy” said,” Dr. Dena Krishnan, Cardiologist and American Heart Association Hampton Roads Executive Board President. “Abby has an incredible story to share and we are excited to see the impact she will make in our local schools and in schools 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 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.
Jaylyn Brown: 443-866-7733; jaylyn.brown@heart.org
Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) heart.org and stroke.org