Newborn survives emergency open-heart surgery; inspires mother
AUSTIN, May 8, 2025 — When her newborn daughter, Maleya, was born with a hole in her heart, mother Mallory Sumner became a tireless advocate for heart health.
Diagnosed with a ventricular septal defect days after her birth, Mallory knew that surgery would be inevitable for Maleya. Mallory has faced her own life-threatening challenge – preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication that significantly increased her own risk of heart disease and stroke. But it was when she watched her fragile newborn fight for survival that her perspective on heart health changed forever. As the Director of Texas Public Markets at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, Mallory is reminded daily of the impact of cardiovascular disease. A former college athlete and University of North Texas Athletics Hall of Fame inductee, she understood the power of strength and endurance. But heart disease doesn’t discriminate – it can strike anyone, at any time.
Now, Mallory is channeling her experience into action by chairing this year’s Austin Heart & Stroke Walk. Coming up on Nov. 16, 2025 at Waterloo Park, the Heart Walk encourages all Austinites to join the Nation of Lifesavers and learn how to save a life through Hands-Only CPR, which can double or triple someone’s chances of survival.
Knowing what’s at stake, Mallory urges others to take action. “If the American Heart Association didn’t exist, would I still have my baby?” she asks.
Saving a life takes just two simple steps. First, call 9-1-1 if you see a person collapse, then push hard and fast in the center of the chest to the beat of a song that has at minimum 100 beats per minute, such as Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” or the Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive.” Learn more about Hands-Only CPR at heart.org/nation. For more about the 2025 Austin Heart & Stroke Walk, visit 2025 Austin Heart & Stroke Walk - Heart Walk - American Heart Association.
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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, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries
Michael Vybiral: michael.vybiral@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
