Chicago teen victorious in competition to fight back against heart disease and stroke
Chicago, IL -- April 21, 2025 — A Hinsdale area high school student, Rian Patadia, is the American Heart Association Chicago 2025 Teen of Impact Winner for his work to raise funds and awareness to eliminate heart disease and stroke and improve well-being in the local community. In the United States, cardiovascular disease remains the No. 1 cause of death and can begin developing as early as young adulthood.[1] The Teen of Impact initiative brings together Gen Z changemakers across the country who are committed to improving heart health and reversing this statistic.
“We are already seeing our incredible teens stepping up to be at the forefront of better health and more lives saved with CPR in their communities,” said Brittany Walsh, executive director of the American Heart Association, Chicago. “Rian has a personal connection that drove his campaign from beginning to end. The amount of support and awareness he was able to generate in just nine weeks is a testament to the power of community in creating a healthier world from generation to generation.”
Over the course of nine weeks, Patadia, along with a team of peers, competed for the Teen of Impact title by participating in various community awareness and fundraising activities. After raising critical funds and driving health education initiatives by engaging his friends, family and community, Patadia was named this year’s winner, raising a total of $21,538. The American Heart Association’s youth and teen initiatives, like Teen of Impact, work to inspire a younger generation to increase heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change, improving lives across the nation.
“It was important for me to take part in Teen of Impact because at the age of five, I lost my grandmother to a heart attack,” said Patadia. “I am honored to have received this recognition and am excited to continue working alongside the American Heart Association to ensure my generation is aware of their risks and have the information they need to live heart healthy.”
The Teen of Impact campaign launched in over 50 cities on National Wear Red Day®, February 7. In Chicago, four teens were nominated to participate. Collectively, this year’s Chicago nominees raised more than $50,000 to support the American Heart Association’s vital work in Chicago
Other local nominees included:
- Mila Ind, Walter Payton College Prep
- Aanya Patel, Stevenson High School
- Caitlin Robinson, Jones College Prep
Heart disease and stroke can impact anyone at any age. Passionate teens like those involved in Teen of Impact are leading the way for this next generation to live longer and healthier.
To learn more about the American Heart Association’s work in Chicago, visit http://www.heart.org/illinois.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173
Jorie Goins; Jorie.Goins@Heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
