ANCHORAGE, Alaska, September 9, 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 three Alaskan students to serve as Youth Heart Ambassadors for the 2025-26 school year. They will 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.
Aubrey Virgin, 11th grade, Mat-Su Central School and Colony High School in Palmer – When she was two years old, Aubrey developed a high fever, followed by additional frightening symptoms. She was eventually diagnosed with Kawasaki disease (KD), a leading cause of acquired heart disease in children. Left untreated, KD can have life-threatening consequences, with 20-25% of children developing coronary artery aneurysms, bulges in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Aubrey began treatment for KD, alongside other conditions that developed as she got older, a journey that continues to this day. Despite her health challenges, Aubrey is able to push her athletic limits with competitive physical activities including soccer and running.
Kayden Santiago-Iverson, 6th grade, Mears Middle School in Anchorage – A few months before Kayden was born, his mom found out he had hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), a congenital heart defect (CHD) where the left side of the heart is underdeveloped. When he was born, he underwent open heart surgery at just five days old. He underwent additional procedures to address his heart condition, including two more open heart surgeries, as he got older. Although he may need additional procedures in the future, these days Kayden is feeling good. Some physical activities he enjoys include hiking, biking, being outside in the snow and playing with his dog Bud. He’s proud to be an HLHS warrior and share his story as an ambassador.
Willow Stennett, 4th grade, Main Elementary School in Kodiak – Willow was born with a ventricular septal defect (VSD) and atrial septal defect (ASD), CHDs that meant there were two holes in her heart. When she was four months old, she had open heart surgery. As a baby she experienced congestive heart failure, requiring her to visit the hospital frequently to receive treatment. Today, Willow still has regular check-ups with her doctor, but she can do nearly anything she wants. She leads an active lifestyle, and particularly enjoys dancing, roller skating and fishing or just being on the beach.
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. Each ambassador 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.
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 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 and reach out with questions to Tiffany Lund, Alaska school engagement director, at [email protected]. Nominations for Youth Heart Ambassadors are accepted year-round. To learn more or apply to become a future Alaska Youth Heart Ambassador, visit heart.org/youthambassadors.
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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 the American Heart Association in Alaska on heart.org/Alaska, Facebook, Instagram, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Lily Gordon, [email protected]
Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
[1] Forrest, Christopher B., et al. “Trends in US Children’s Mortality, Chronic Conditions, Obesity, Functional Status, and Symptoms | Child Development | JAMA | Jama Network.” JAMA Network, JAMA, 7 July 2025, jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2836060.
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