Local heart survivor student to champion health and well-being as national Youth Heart Ambassador

CHARLESTON, W.Va., October 7, 2025 — With youth facing growing physical and mental health challenges nationwide[1], the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, has selected Ava, a 3^rd  grade student at Scott Teays Elementary School in Scott Depot, WV as a national Youth Heart Ambassador for the 2025-26 school year. Ava 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™, to inspire their 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. Ava was born with Tetralogy of Fallot, a very serious congenital heart defect, and had to undergo surgery at just 3 days old. Since then, she has recovered well and is active in her school as well as in the community, recently performing with the Children’s Theater of Charleston.

“It’s inspiring to see a student from our community step up as a leader for youth health,” said Wendy Bradley, development director of school engagement for the American Heart Association – West Virginia. “Ava brings an important voice to this mission, and we’re excited to see the difference she will make across the country.”

As a Youth Heart Ambassador for the 2025-26 school year, Ava 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.

“We’re incredibly proud of Ava for serving as an American Heart Association Youth Heart Ambassador,” said Kimberly Slappe, Ava’s mother. “This opportunity means so much to her as she is passionate about raising awareness and helping others. It’s empowering for her to know she’s making a difference.”

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 more than 20,000 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 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:

Kevin Pauley: kevin.pauley@heart.org

Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org