For Prince William County high school senior, Olivia Pacheco, her volunteerism as a Youth Heart Ambassador for the American Heart Association (AHA) is personal; she has survived two congenital heart defects and four open heart surgeries before the age of 17.
Olivia was born with truncus arteriosus and coarctation of the aorta. “When I was younger, other kids didn’t see me as different,” said Olivia. “They knew that I was Olivia, and I was their friend.” As she’s gotten older and the symptoms of her heart condition have become more noticeable, like the scar on her heart, Olivia has gotten more questions. “I’m happy to share and educate other kids – and adults – about my experience.”
But Olivia is so much more than her heart conditions; she’s a dancer, advocate and leader, sharing her story and raising awareness about heart health throughout her school and community. As a Youth Heart Ambassador, she and her classmates support Finn’s Mission, honoring National School Ambassador, 10-year-old Finn Blumenthal, who was born with congenital heart defects and has spent his whole life helping advance the AHA’s work in schools through CPR education, fundraising, promoting healthy behaviors and spreading the word about heart health. Olivia works directly with the AHA’s school engagement leaders to help develop peer learning resources and educate her classmates about healthy behaviors like sleeping, eating well and reducing screen time. She also speaks at assemblies in front of her school and others, sharing her story and rallying fellow students to take action for heart health.
Olivia is the incoming president of her school’s Heart Club, a student-led leadership opportunity that offers educational resources on volunteering and advocacy opportunities, fundraising campaigns and approaches to total wellbeing. She’s also this year’s Miss Apple Blossom Teen, using her platform to raise funds for educational scholarships and heart research as part of the AHA Go Red x Miss America collaboration.
As high school graduation nears, Olivia is looking to her future. Dance has long been a passion of hers, but she has to take extra precautions to keep her heart safe, like tracking her blood pressure and energy levels, and staying extra hydrated. She plans to go to college and double major in dance and business so that one day, she can open her own dance studio. “I want to create a space where dancers of all abilities feel welcomed, particularly those with heart conditions like mine,” said Olivia.
The Kids Heart Challenge and the American Heart Challenge help students from elementary school through high school learn the importance of teamwork and helping other people, all while building their self-esteem in an exciting and active way. Learn more about the Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge and how you can get involved.