ALBANY, N.Y. — A new American Heart Association teen program that gives teens the opportunity to spread the message of health to their communities and advocate for policies to improve health has selected two area teens for the inaugural Teen of Impact group.
Shay Kerwin of Troy and Madison Yarbrough of Ballston Lake have joined the American Heart Association’s Teen of Impact group to improve the health and wellness of their communities.
A total of 13 upstate teens and the teams they recruited are engaging in health and fundraising activities to fight heart disease and stroke.
“I’m doing this in honor of my father, who passed away when I was seven of a sudden heart attack,” said 17-year-old Kerwin, a Tamarac High School student. “I want to spread awareness about heart disease.”
“I’m honored to be given the opportunity to raise awareness and advocate for change for the health of my community and for the American Heart Association,” said Yarbrough, a junior at Shenendehowa High School.
Teen Impact is the newest program of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement. The program provides teens with an opportunity to make changes in their own lives as well as their communities. As part of the program they will also fundraise to support the American Heart Association.
The Teen of Impact campaign was launched on April 19 with a Zoom pep rally highlighting each of the participants. It concludes on June 14.
During the campaign the teens will accrue points as they live the mission of the American Heart Association to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Each teen plans their own fundraisers and community activities. Plans range from Hands-Only CPR demonstrations and community gardens to fitness classes and bottle drives. The teen whose team has the most points at the end of the eight weeks will receive a $1,000 contribution to a 529 college savings account.
To receive points, the teens and their teams will complete health activities, along with fundraising, to support the American Heart Association’s mission.
“This inaugural group of Teens of Impact is impressive,” said Liz Campbell, Senior Vice President for New York State and Pennsylvania’s American Heart Association. “Hearing from each of them during the launch of the program as they shared their reasons for supporting the American Heart Association, and each of their goals to win the challenge was very inspiring. These teens are investing in the health of their communities, their own health, and in the future of cardiovascular care. I wish each of them the best of luck in their campaigns.”
For information about Kerwin or Yarbrough’s campaigns contact the American Heart Association at 518.626.8768.
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