Midwest City fourth grader named Youth Heart Ambassador for national health initiative
MIDWEST CITY, Okla., Aug. 20, 2025 — With youth facing growing physical and mental health challenges nationwide, the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, has selected Dylan Hughes, a fourth-grade home-schooled student in Midwest City, as a national Youth Heart Ambassador for the 2025–26 school year.
Dylan will serve alongside other youth volunteers across the country to support the Heart Association’s school-based programs, Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™, inspiring peers to build lifelong healthy habits and learn lifesaving education, all while helping others. Youth were nominated nationwide for the role, which recognizes students who have a personal connection to heart disease or stroke, either through their own diagnosis, a loved one’s experience or a passion for wellness.
Dylan was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), a condition where the left side of the heart is critically underdeveloped. He underwent open-heart surgery at just 7 days old, again at 5 months, and a third time at age 4. After spending 157 days in the hospital as a newborn, Dylan has grown into a resilient and joyful child who lives life with only half a heart — and a whole lot of courage.
Today, Dylan is thriving. He enjoys playing video games, especially anything related to Mario and Nintendo, and dreams of becoming a coder so he can create his own games. He’s known for his love of math, his bright blue favorite color, and his deep bond with his cat, Jon, who sleeps beside him every night. Dylan also has a dog named Duey and a bearded dragon named Liz Ard. His younger brother, Logan, is 6, and their dad serves in the U.S. Air Force at Tinker Air Force Base.
“It’s inspiring to see a student from our community step up as a leader for youth health,” said Jade Hayes, development director for youth engagement for the American Heart Association-Oklahoma City. “Dylan brings an important voice to this mission, and we’re excited to see the difference he will make across the country.”
As a Youth Heart Ambassador, Dylan will raise awareness about the impact of heart disease and stroke, advocate for healthy habits and lifesaving skills like Hands-Only CPR and encourage support for the Heart Association’s mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.
“I want people to know that the American Heart Association helps support kids like me who have special hearts,” Dylan said. “I’m excited to help others and show that even with half a heart, you can live a full life.”
Dylan keeps his heart healthy by choosing nutritious foods, taking his medicine without complaint, and staying active through play — especially on the monkey bars and swings. He’s also learned to listen to his body and rest when needed, a skill that helps him stay strong and safe.
Backed by science, the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge teach students how to care for their hearts, minds and bodies through age-appropriate lessons and activities in thousands of schools across the country. These programs encourage students to get active, build confidence and support the Heart Association’s work to fund lifesaving research and education around heart disease and stroke prevention, cardiac emergency preparedness and more.
Schools can register now to take part in the Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge programs for the 2025–26 school year. Nominations for Youth Heart Ambassadors are accepted year-round. To learn more or apply to become a future Youth Heart Ambassador, visit heart.org/youthambassador.
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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 100 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, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
Media Inquiries
Cyd King: cyd.king@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
