Mitchell County’s Aticus Grindstaff was selected by the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, to serve as a volunteer National Youth Heart Ambassador for the 2023-24 school year.
Grindstaff and his family will work closely with the American Heart Association’s in-school programs, Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge to actively and passionately champion other children to establish healthy habits to better mental and physical well-being.
The American Heart Association accepted nominations from young people who have been affected by heart disease or stroke either through a personal diagnosis, diagnosis of a loved one, or has made a personal lifestyle change, to serve in the Youth Heart Ambassador role.
Grindstaff was born with Shone’s Complex, a rare disorder that affects the left side of his heart. At five days old, he was given a 50% chance of survival.
After two heart surgeries, despite his struggles with motor skills and using his senses, he continues to get stronger every day. His favorite heart-healthy habits include taking vitamins, eating lots of fruits and playing outside.
His brothers are raising money for American Heart Association through Kids Heart Challenge at their schools, Greenlee Primary and Deyton Elementary.
The Youth Heart Ambassadors serve a one-year commitment as a volunteer of the American Heart Association assisting the organization to be a relentless force for healthier lives for all. The position gives youth a voice to encourage, advocate and underscore the need for to raise critical funding as they share the impact cardiovascular disease has had on their life.
“It’s exciting to see one of our local youth share their voice and experience to help others live heart healthy” said, Beth McKinney, American Heart Association school engagement director. ”Aticus has an incredible story to share and we are excited to see the impact he will make in our local schools and in schools across the country.”
Rooted in physical activity, Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge are service-learning programs that teach students how to improve their overall health while doing good for the health of others. Through interactive curriculums and various online challenges, participating students get active and have fun while raising funds and awareness for congenital heart defects, nutrition security, CPR training, mental well-being and more.
These collective efforts help further the American Heart Association’s mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.
Schools interested in participating in either Kids Heart Challenge or American Heart Challenge receive expanded curriculum resources for both classrooms and in-home learning environments can register now for next school year.
To learn more about the school programs, visit heart.org/getstarted. More information can also be found at heart.org/youthambassadors.