Anabel "Stitch" Valencia, an 11-year-old sixth grader at Winters Elementary School in Winters, Texas, has been selected by the American Heart Association as a national Youth Heart Ambassador for the 2026–27 school year. She is one of 15 students nationwide chosen for the program and one of five youth advocates. In this role, Anabel will work to inspire young people across the country to adopt lifelong healthy habits and learn lifesaving skills.
Youth Heart Ambassadors serve alongside volunteers to support the American Heart Association's school-based programs, notably the Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge. These programs are delivered in schools and are designed to teach children age-appropriate lessons about caring for their hearts, minds and bodies. Ambassadors help promote program participation, encourage healthy behaviors and share information about lifesaving skills such as Hands-Only CPR.
Anabel's commitment to heart health is rooted in family experience. She was inspired after seeing loved ones confront heart disease: her great-grandfather, William Clayton Wolfenden, faced heart issues before his death, and another great-grandmother continues a heart-health journey. Witnessing these experiences firsthand motivated Anabel to advocate for heart health and helping others.
Molly Wright, school engagement officer for the American Heart Association, commented on Anabel's selection: "Anabel embodies what it means to lead by example. She is passionate about helping others, committed to healthy living and eager to share lifesaving information with her peers. We're excited to see the impact she'll have as a national Youth Heart Ambassador." These remarks underline the AHA's expectation that Ambassadors model healthy behaviors and communicate practical, age-appropriate health messages to other students.
Anabel is an active student-athlete who participates in basketball, softball and cheerleading. She emphasizes staying healthy through nutritious food choices and regular physical activity. As an example of peer-level behavior change, Anabel and a close friend often choose avocado toast and fruit instead of sugary snacks.
Her involvement with the American Heart Association extends beyond promoting healthy habits. Anabel was an active participant in the Kids Heart Challenge and was her school's top fundraiser in the 2025–26 school year, raising more than $700 to support the Association's mission. She has discussed the fundraising component as more than competition, describing the Heart Challenge as a way to raise funds that help save lives.
As a national Youth Heart Ambassador, Anabel will focus on several priorities: raising awareness about heart disease and stroke, advocating for healthy habits, promoting Hands-Only CPR education and encouraging support for the American Heart Association's mission. She has emphasized teaching children healthy behaviors early in life and hopes to encourage classmates to learn lifesaving skills.
Anabel said, "I just really hope to teach kids starting young. My friends have learned a lot, but I feel like kids can learn even more." She also said, "I want everyone to know that the American Heart Association saves lives." These direct quotes reflect her intent to combine education, peer engagement and outreach to increase knowledge and preparedness among children.
The American Heart Association states that the Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge deliver age-appropriate lessons and activities in more than 20,000 schools nationwide. The programs aim to get students active, build confidence and support lifesaving research and education focused on heart disease and stroke prevention. Ambassadors and volunteers support recruitment, implementation and messaging in school communities.
Schools can register to participate in the Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge for the 2026–27 school year through the AHA's educator program pages. Nominations for Youth Heart Ambassadors are accepted year-round. For more information or to apply to become a Youth Heart Ambassador, the AHA provides resources and application details at heart.org/youthambassador.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association describes itself as a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. The organization supports research, advocates for public health, and provides education and resources related to cardiovascular disease and stroke. Contact and program information are available through heart.org and affiliated AHA channels.
For the media contact listed in the source: Cyd King: cyd.king@heart.org. For public inquiries, the AHA lists 1-800-AHA-USA1.