Robbie MacCue: He may not wear a cape but he's still a hero.

Robbie MacCue knows a thing or two about saving lives.  As a paramedic, Robbie knows firsthand that CPR buys time for victims until first responders arrive at the scene. That’s why Robbie volunteers at local schools to teach students CPR.  And...

YOU!

The American Heart Association recently launched its new brand “Life is Why.”  We want people to experience more of life's precious moments. It's why we've made better heart and brain health our mission. And until there's a world free of...

Susan Canning, Massachusetts

Sue Canning became an advocate because of her son Kevin. Kevin was born on April 8, 1992. He was loved by everyone, because he didn’t take life too seriously and was always trying to make people laugh. Kevin started playing...

My Story

My name is Ryley Williams.  I am a high school student and stroke survivor.  This is my story.  On July 8, 2013 my life was forever changed when I collapsed during warm up exercises at sophomore football practice. I was...

Why I Advocate for Heart, by April Wade Peters

I’m excited to share my personal journey of advocating for heart, which ultimately led to AED machines being placed at my workplace. It began in 1998 when my husband learned he had a heart murmur and kept tabs on it...

Sara Beckwith

Why is advocacy work so important? To Sara Beckwith it is about passion, and because she “truly believes that we have a voice and it is imperative to use our voice to work on programs such as the Healthy Tots Act and the Workplace Wellness Act.” 

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Advocate Spotlight - Max Stein

Max Stein, Idaho This month, we wanted to feature and thank our Smokefree Idaho Community Educator, Max Stein.  Max has been working tirelessly in communities across the state to educate individuals and businesses on the harms of secondhand smoke.  Because...

Advocate Spotlight - Brittany Badicke

Brittany Badicke, Oregon My name is Brittany Badicke, and I’m one of AHA’s Oregon Advocacy Interns. This summer, I’ll be working on our Tobacco Control efforts, with the ultimate goal of giving more Oregonians access to resources to help them...

Rachel Henry, Massachusetts

Thirteen years ago, at the age of 30, Rachel suffered a hemorrhagic stroke in her doctor's office during a routine checkup. Thankfully, her doctor knew what was happening and Rachel was able to receive immediate lifesaving care. It was a long...

Ruthie Ewers: Smoke-Free Champion

When the City of Harlingen passed a strong smoke-free ordinance, it was like a dream come true for Texas volunteer Ruthie Ewers.  Ruthie has been the driving force behind the Harlingen smoke-free initiative that started more than 8 years ago....