kids heart challenge

Meet Kaitlyn Gansor, a middle-schooler with a resilient heart 

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When Angela Gansor and her husband, Steve, went in for her 20‑week scan while she was pregnant, she expected another routine appointment, especially after a normal amniocentesis. Instead, the sonogram revealed an issue with the baby’s heart, which prompted a visit to a pediatric cardiologist where a fetal echocardiogram confirmed a congenital heart defect: tetralogy of Fallot. As Angela calmly processed the news, the cardiologist asked her, “Are you okay? You’re taking this so well.” Angela explained this … Read more

First grader Chase Mitchell overcame multiple surgeries and found his strength

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Chase Mitchell may be one of the youngest kids in his first grade class at Westridge Elementary, with a September birthday, but he’s already lived through more medical challenges than many people will ever face. Today, he’s a happy, energetic kid who plays baseball, flag football and soccer. To anyone watching him run across a field, you’d never guess he was born with a serious congenital heart defect. … Read more

Cicero Elementary School puts a cherry on top of record fundraising year

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Students at Cicero Elementary School got a sweet reward for their fundraising efforts Wednesday. To celebrate setting a school fundraising record for the Kids Heart Challenge™, top fundraisers, including fourth grader and heart disease survivor Nora Tees, got to cover their principal and physical education teacher in whipped cream, chocolate sauce, sprinkles and more, turning them … Read more

Meet Tony Brown, a heart warrior who beat all odds

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When Tita Escobar was five months pregnant, doctors broke the kind of news no expecting parent wants to hear; her baby would be born with a heart condition and might not survive past birth. After a high-risk pregnancy, baby Tony arrived into the world. Tita had mere seconds to hold him before Tony was quickly rushed into the intensive care … Read more

New members join initiative championing health in schools across the Northeast

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Superintendents across the Northeast region are working with the American Heart Association to improve the health and well-being of students, families and educators. Nineteen superintendents were selected to serve as volunteer leaders for the second year of the Association’s Eastern States Superintendent Council. In its second year, the Superintendent Council has new leadership. Mark Laurrie, … Read more

More than 300 Wyomissing students learn to save a life using Hands-Only CPR

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Individuals pose for photo with donated CPR kit.

CPR, especially if performed immediately, could double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival. However, 70% of respondents in a recent consumer survey said they were not confident they would respond with CPR in a cardiac emergency. With the goal of changing this statistic, the American Heart Association, the worldwide leader in resuscitation … Read more

Craig Hill Elementary School kicks off heart-healthy challenge with new recess equipment

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The American Heart Association inspires students to stay active with new recess equipment thanks to support from John. W. Danforth Company With only 1 in 4 children in the U.S. getting the recommended amount of daily physical activity[1], Craig Hill Elementary School is working to create a healthier future through the Kids Heart Challenge™. Led … Read more

Blue Bell Elementary student wins national prize Super Bowl tickets

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Hands-Only CPR education offered through the American Heart Association’s in-school programs and supports mission critical work to improve the chain of survival Five students and five schools have been awarded special incentive prizes as part of a collaboration between the American Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for … Read more

Back to school, back to heart health: Why kids’ routines matter

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As summer wraps up and kids head back to the classrooms, it’s important to recognize how young people spend their free time could impact their heart health, according to the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere. Too much screen time and unhealthy on-the-go eating habits could make … Read more

National wellness grant brings new health resources to Laurence Harbor students

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Congratulations Memorial Elementary School, Old Bridge Township Public School district with school photo and winner ribbon

American Heart Association funds support student and faculty well-being at Memorial Elementary School Only 1 in 4 children in the U.S. gets the recommended amount of daily physical activity, and approximately 1 in 3 are considered overweight or obese[1]. With physical inactivity and mental health challenges on the rise among youth, schools like Memorial Elementary … Read more

Seven-year-old Kayleigh Williams has the heart of a fighter

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Stafford County, VA seven-year-old Kayleigh Williams has a resilient heart: one that’s survived complications, surgeries, diseases and other big challenges with a fighting spirit. Before she was born, her mother, Carine, learned at her 20-week ultrasound that Kayleigh had hypoplastic right heart syndrome. At the time, the family was based in Jacksonville, NC, where Kayleigh’s … Read more

Spring-Ford Intermediate 5/6 Center Achieves National Recognition for American Heart Challenge Fundraising Efforts

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The Spring-Ford Intermediate 5/6 Center, part of the Spring-Ford School District in Montgomery County, has been honored as the No. 5 school in the nation for its outstanding participation in the American Heart Challenge (AHC). This remarkable achievement has resulted in a significant contribution of $21,429 to the American Heart Association (AHA), a global force … Read more

Carrsville Elementary receives financial grant to boost physical activity

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American Heart Association grants ignite new health initiatives in schools The American Heart Association’s school-based programs, Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™, awarded nearly $400 to Carrsville Elementary School in Isle of Wight County, for physical activity equipment and resources.   The annual grant program supports schools by funding resources to extend school wellness initiatives. … Read more

Loudoun County Public Schools superintendent leads national initiative to champion health in schools

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Kids Heart Challenge logo

Dr. Aaron Spence supports critical work to improve student well-being through the American Heart Association Superintendent Council.  Aaron Spence, Ph.D., superintendent of Loudoun County Public Schools is working with the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, and nine other superintendents from across the country to improve the health and well-being … Read more

1 Million Dollar Transformational Gift Creates Big Change in Delaware

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The American Heart Association is excited and humbled to announce, Thom Harvey, Chairman & CEO of Harvey Hanna & Associates (HHA) and his wife Robin have donated 1 million dollars to forward the mission of the American Heart Association in the state of Delaware. With this transformational gift, the Harvey and Hanna Family Healthy Hearts … Read more

Watkins Mill Elementary School receives grant in support of whole-body wellness

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American Heart Association and NFL Play 60 logos

Arlington, VA — Reducing sedentary behavior and increasing physical activity is key to immediate and long-term health for children. That is why the American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, the National Football League (NFL) and the Washington Commanders have awarded a $1,000 grant to Watkins Mill Elementary School in … Read more

St. Joseph School – Fullerton receives Kids Heart Challenge grant funds for health resources

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The American Heart Association’s school-based youth programs, Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™, awarded $1,291 to St. Joseph School – Fullerton in Baltimore County, to purchase bocce and badminton equipment. The annual grant program supports schools by funding resources to extend school wellness programs. The American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives … Read more

John D. Jenkins Elementary School Receives Grant for Health Resources

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Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge grant allow school to target whole-body wellness in support of physical and emotional health  The American Heart Association’s school-based youth programs, Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™, awarded $1292 to the John D. Jenkins Elementary School in Woodbridge, VA to purchase hand weights and yoga mats for … Read more

Massachusetts schools prioritize physical activity to boost students’ well-being during uncertain year

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METHUEN – Studies have shown physical activity can lessen children’s anxiety and depression – two issues that have been of increasing concern to parents and educators during the pandemic. The American Heart Association and the Comprehensive Grammar, Marsh Grammar, and Tenney Grammar schools in Methuen are helping students improve physical and emotional well-being during this … Read more

Massachusetts middle schooler raising awareness, money for American Heart Month

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A fifth grader from Abington, Mass., is on a mission to raise money and awareness in the fight against heart disease in honor of his parents and grandmother. The Abington News chronicled Jameson Gagnon’s impressive accomplishments in an article posted online this week. The piece describes Jameson as being “a one man advocacy agency” during … Read more

Stay Healthy and Happy During School Closures with our Virtual Challenge

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The American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge launches virtual program to prioritize mental and physical health.   Calling all Schools in the Greater Washington Region: With the stress of schools across the country shifting to remote learning or ending early, it’s more important than ever to maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle. That’s why the American Heart … Read more