For survivors and Youth Heart Ambassadors, Aubrey Spiess and Kennedy Shivers of Bristow Run Elementary, knowing they have someone at the same school who understands their experience makes a big difference.
Second grader Aubrey was born with coarctation of aorta, mitral valve stenosis, and a severely large ventricular septal defect (a hole in her heart), a condition diagnosed 20 weeks into her mother Ashley’s pregnancy. Aubrey was born on her mother’s birthday; “it was a special day,” reflects Ashley. But Aubrey’s first year was turbulent. When she was just 10-days old and less than 4 pounds, her heart was the size of a walnut and needed to be operated on. Her chances of survival were not optimal given her size and her defects. When Aubrey seemed stable post-operation, her parents left just to shower, and in that short time, she went into cardiac arrest. Doctors performed CPR on Aubrey for 15 minutes; she survived and her heart stabilized again. After her first surgery, Aubrey spent the rest of her first year in physical therapy, catching up on growth and mobility milestones. When she was three, she needed another surgery after her mitral valve stenosis began causing symptoms of a weakened heart.
Ashley leaned on online forums for other parents and caretakers of people with heart conditions like Aubrey’s. “Those systems of support helped so much. But it’s important we keep building more ways to support CHD families,” she said. Thanks to the care she received and her amazing team of doctors, Aubrey is a thriving kid with a passion for helping others. Through the Kids Heart Challenge, Aubrey shares her story with other kids and teachers at her school, and she’s helped raise more than $15,000 to support the American Heart Association’s fight against heart disease.
Aubrey and Kennedy have a lot in common; both were diagnosed 20 weeks into their mothers’ – both named Ashley – pregnancies. Kennedy, a twin, was diagnosed with tetralogy of fallot. When she was born and her sister left the hospital, she stayed back for open heart surgery to treat a hole in her heart and other complications.
Thanks to the doctors who treated her, Kennedy is a healthy fourth grader whose story inspires everyone she meets and helps kids understand how important heart health is. Kennedy has met others at her school, including Aubrey, with heart conditions. Her mom, Ashley (Shivers) was even able to offer support and guidance to a classmate who needed heart surgery.
Through the Kids Heart Challenge, Kennedy was a top fundraiser for the American Heart Association and plans to increase her fundraising goal next year. A family effort, her mom is helping the school’s physical education teacher organize this year’s fundraising and awareness campaign. “The Kids Heart Challenge has brought out a lot in Kennedy,” said Ashley [Shivers]. “Every month, she gets to meet with kids just like her from across the east coast and see how other young people are going through the same experience she is.” This year, Kennedy, Aubrey and their families are encouraging 100 of their classmates to learn hands-only CPR.
Kennedy and Aubrey are important voices for young people with special hearts, and it’s more fun when they can work together. “I felt like I had a friend beside me and it made me want to help kids like me with special hearts,” Aubrey said about their shared experience. “It made me happy because I’m not the only one,” added Kennedy.
After their diagnoses and first rounds of treatment, Aubrey, Kennedy and their families had opportunities to connect with the medical professionals who treated them and others in similar situations at their respective hospitals’ annual picnics for patients and staff. They loved being recognized as heart heroes and getting to thank the doctors and nurses who helped save their lives.
On January 15, 2025, Aubrey and Kennedy stood up in front of their classmates at Bristow Run Elementary and shared their stories. “I want to be a doctor when I grow up to help people with broken hearts like me,” said Aubrey.
And on April 5, 2025, attendees at the Heart Ball were brought to tears by this moving video chronicling the powerful story of Aubrey, Kennedy and their families, who stepped onto the stage and invited participants to open their hearts and give in honor of health and hope for everyone, everywhere.