Austin teen ranks top 10 nationally in fight to end heart disease

AUSTIN, May 6, 2026 - A Westlake High School student has ranked in the top 10 nationwide after raising more than $56,000 to fight the nation's No. 1 killer - cardiovascular disease.

Leading a team of 17 high school girls as part of the American Heart Association's Teen of Impact campaign, Catherine McCall ranked 8 th nationally out of 327 total teams, channeling her energy and passion to build a healthier Austin. The Teen of Impact Campaign launched on National Wear Red Day, Friday, Feb.

6. This 9-week competition encourages teens, who are nominated by parents, advocates, teachers, and community leaders, to become empowered to change the trajectory of heart health for their generation.

Through fundraising, education, and advocacy, this year's local class of 6 Teen of Impact nominee teams raised a collective $131,338, which will directly impact Austin's health. McCall joined Teen of Impact to give back to a community that has supported her over the years, but was struck by how the Austin community supported her in turn.