2021 Teens of Impact
A family member with heart disease, a loved one lost to cardiovascular disease, and a desire to improve the health of their communities are some of the reasons that the inaugural group of “Teens of Impact” are supporting the American Heart Association in the next eight weeks.
The newest program of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement, Teen of Impact provides teens with an opportunity to make changes in their own lives and their communities by taking charge of their own health, spreading the message of health to their communities, and advocating for policies to improve health. They will also fundraise to support the American Heart Association.
The Teen of Impact campaign launched on April 19 with a Zoom pep rally highlighting each of the participants, and will conclude on June 14 at 5 p.m. Each of the teens has recruited a team to assist them in achieving their goals.
During the campaign, the teens will accrue points as they live the mission of the American Heart Association to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.
The teen whose team has the most points at the end of the eight weeks will receive a $1,000 contribution to a 529 college savings account. To receive points, the teens and their teams will complete health activities, along with fundraising, to support the AHA’s mission. Those health activities could include:
- Embark on their own health journey
- Learn CPR
- Train others in CPR
- Become Healthy for Life Facilitators, and train others in healthy living
- Advocate for change with local and state legislators
- Share messages on social media
- Fundraise to support the American Heart Association
“This inaugural group of Teens of Impact are impressive,” said Liz Campbell, Senior Vice President for New York State and Pennsylvania for the American Heart Association. “Hearing from each of them during the launch of the program, as they shared their reasons for supporting the American Heart Association, and each of their goals to win the challenge, was very inspiring. These teens are investing in the health of their communities, their own health, and in the future of cardiovascular care. I wish each of them the best of luck in their campaigns.”
The teens are:
Feroze Ali of Pittsford
Carter Bryant of Amherst
Sarah Cubbage of Utica
Maria DeCaro of Baldwinsville
Marielle Emmanuel of Liverpool
Shay Kerwin of Wynantskill
Reily Mowen of Beacon
Rihanna Mullings of Middletown
Addy Pagones of Beacon
Andrea Pajazetovic of Utica
Emma Purvis of Adams
Abby Streeter of Oriskany Falls
Maddie Yarbrough of Ballston Lake