Heart Hero Ellie Saves Father’s Life with Knowledge from AHA’s Kids Heart Challenge
CAMDEN-WYOMING, DE, Feb. 4, 2025 — In a remarkable display of bravery and quick thinking, Ellie, a 4th grader from Camden-Wyoming, Delaware, used the skills she learned through the American Heart Association Kids Heart Challenge to save her father’s life during a medical emergency.
When Ellie noticed her father exhibiting alarming symptoms, she remained calm and immediately recognized the seriousness of the situation. Instead of letting him brush off his condition as mere fatigue, she asked critical questions: “When did the pain start? Where is the pain? Does it radiate?” Her mother, Christine, recounted the harrowing moment: “You would be just as proud of her as we are if you had seen her leap into action. She kept him alert while I rushed us to the emergency room.”
Thanks to the training Ellie received through her school’s participation in the Kids Heart Challenge, she was able to recognize vital warning signs and insist on immediate medical attention for her father. Her quick thinking resulted in his diagnosis of stress-induced cardiomyopathy, a serious condition that can be life-threating if left untreated.
Ellie’s experience has sparked a newfound passion in her for heart health advocacy among her classmates and students across the country. “I want my peers to learn how to take care of their hearts and the hearts of the people they love,” she said. “This knowledge can make a difference in an emergency.”
The American Heart Association Kids Heart Challenge empowers children to adopt heart-healthy habits and equips them with essential knowledge for responding to emergencies. “Arielle Ben-Haim, School Engagement Director, American Heart Association, emphasized, “This is precisely why we do what we do.”
The Kids Heart Challenge not only educates students about heart health but also empowers them to take action in critical moments. Schools across the nation are encouraged to participate in the Kids Heart Challenge, enabling students like Ellie to be prepared for life-saving situations.
For more information about the Kids Heart Challenge and how to get involved, please contact Arielle Ben-Haim at arielle.ben-haim@heart.org.
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, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Athena Kerstanski Moustakas
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1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) heart.org and stroke.org