Two Northeast Ohio changemakers triumph in competition to end cardiovascular disease

(NORTHEAST OHIO) April 17, 2026 — Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the No. 1 killer in the United States, but according to the American Heart Association, approximately 80% of heart attacks and strokes are preventable. Two area individuals have successfully channeled their energy and passion to build a healthier Northeast Ohio and raise critical dollars to help fund the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association, earning them recognition from the organization. Viki Stoops is the 2026 Northeast Ohio Woman of Impact winner. Teen of Impact winner Katie Zook has been named this year’s 2026 Northeast Ohio Teen of Impact winner. The Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all, is celebrating changemakers in over 160 communities across the nation. These leaders used their campaigns to make the greatest impact in their communities by raising awareness for heart health and funds for lifesaving research, advocacy and education. The Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact campaigns launched on National Wear Red Day® , Friday, Feb. 6. Collectively, this year’s Northeast Ohio nominees educated people in CPR, held more than two dozen events to share the importance of both mental and physical health and raised more than $78,000 to support the vital work of the American Heart Association. Stoops is a community liaison for Home Instead NE where she helps families in crisis. Throughout her campaign, Stoops held multiple fundraising and awareness events, including one at a local YMCA where she brought a hands-only CPR experience to the community. “My why for working with the American Heart Association is that I was affected by heart disease on two different sides: My immediate family and then my job,” said Stoops. “I meet families all the time who are affected by heart disease and stroke so I want to bring as much awareness, support and resources to the community as possible and do my part to make things better.” The 2026 Teen of Impact campaign winner, Zook, is a junior at Niles McKinley High School. Zook also held multiple events throughout her campaign to raise funds and awareness of heart disease and stroke, including a dance competition that encouraged young people to move more for their hearts. “I was a Teen of Impact because my family has been largely affected by heart attacks and strokes,” said Zook. “My mom’s dad passed away from a heart attack and last year I helped my grandma through the side effects of her second stroke which caused her to have dementia and go into long-term care.” Twelve nominees competed in the Heart Association’s Woman of Impact™ and Teen of Impact™ campaigns in Northeast Ohio. Each nominee supported the Heart Association in its fight against the nation’s No. 1 health threat, CVD. The Woman of Impact campaign, part of the Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® movement, specifically focuses on improving women’s health, while Teen of Impact focuses on empowering the next generation to change the trajectory of heart health for their generation. Stoops and Zook are two of more than 160 other community-level Women and Teen of Impact winners from across the country now eligible for national recognition. The national winners from each campaign will be named on May 20, 2026. “Changemakers like Viki and Katie and all of our nominees are making a lasting impact in Northeast Ohio,” said Jennifer Coleman, development director of the American Heart Association – Northeast Ohio. “Together, we have the power to fund more lifesaving research and educate women and teens on how they can take steps now to protect their hearts to help create a future of longer, healthier lives for all.” Local Woman of Impact nominees included: Katelyn Amendolara-Russo , Medici Museum of Art Dr. Brianna French , Summa Health Lauren Oktavec , Cleveland Clinic Rehabilitation Hospital Viki Stoops , Home Instead NE Local Teen of Impact nominees included: Ahmed Abdelaziz, University School Bridget Borchardt , Crestview High School Hend Egzait , Solon High School Rehaan Khan , Hawken Upper School Hudson Moser , Canfield High School Sushmitha Venkatesan , Aurora High School Julia Winchell , Revere High School Katie Zook , Niles McKinley High School To learn more about the Heart Association in Northeast Ohio, visit the Northeast Ohio Woman of Impact website or Teen of Impact website . ### 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. About Go Red for Women® The American Heart Association’s signature initiative, Go Red for Women®, is a comprehensive platform designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. While the majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 women. For more than two decades, Go Red for Women has encouraged awareness. The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power of women to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them tools they need to lead a heart-healthy life. The Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, with additional support from national cause supporters. For more information, please visit GoRedforWomen.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721). For Media Inquiries: Chelsea Caldwell: 614-448-7943; chelsea.caldwell@heart.org For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) heart.org and stroke.org