Heart Heroes

Some of the many people who have been touched by heart disease and stroke have been generous enough to share their story with us. They are the reason that the American Heart Association is dedicated to building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. They are the passion behind our mission.

Hi, my name is Cassidy and I am a heart survivor. I was born with a heart defect called Transposition of the Great Arteries. My aorta and my pulmonary artery were connected in the wrong places, so all my blue blood kept going back to my body and all my red blood kept going back to my lungs. See Cassidy's story

Born on February 9, 2006, Caroline's parents were excited to welcome her to their lives. Mark and Shari's excitement was quickly overwhelmed with fear when they learned that Caroline was born with a hole in her heart. See Caroline's story.

Shelby's “Grampy” died at age 64 of complications from a heart attack when Shelby was just 4 years old. “He was my favorite person,” says Shelby. See Shelby's story.

Shaylee lost her father when she was in the second grade. He had an undiagnosed heart condition and was only 29 years old when he died. Shaylee particpates in Jump Rope For Heart and works to educate people of all ages about heart disease. See Shaylee's story.

Benjamin has survived two open-heart surgeries and is an active volunteer for the American Heart Association. Benjamin has been participating in events, raising awareness and raising funds since he was 2 years old. See a video interview with Benjamin.

Sarah Cathryne is a 7^th grader in Virginia. She’s living proof that stroke affects people of all ages—she had one before she was even born. Read Sarah's story.