Girard High School student Sophia Kren is the American Heart Association Northeast Ohio 2025 Teen of Impact Winner for her work to raise funds and awareness to eliminate heart disease and stroke and improve well-being in the local community. In the United States, cardiovascular disease remains the No. 1 cause of death and can begin developing as early as young adulthood.[1] The Teen of Impact initiative brings together Gen Z changemakers across the country who are committed to improving heart health and reversing this statistic.
“Thanks to the efforts of incredible leaders like Sophia and all of our nominees, we’re making progress to ensure the next generation has better heart health outcomes here in Northeast Ohio and across the country,” said Andrew Kluge, Senior Development Director for the American Heart Association in Northeast Ohio. “Together, we have the power to fund more research, provide more information and inspire the next generation to take care of themselves. In doing so, we are helping ensure our future is brighter and healthier.”
Over the course of nine weeks, Kren, along with a team of peers, competed for the Teen of Impact title by participating in various community awareness and fundraising activities. After raising critical funds and driving health education initiatives, including a CPR demonstration for local students, Kren was named this year’s winner. The American Heart Association’s youth and teen initiatives, like Teen of Impact, work to inspire a younger generation to increase heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change, improving lives across the nation.
“It was really important for me to help bring awareness and share heart health to others because five years ago I witnessed my mom suffer from a heart attack. Watching her overcome her heart attack has truly inspired me to help others and hopefully save other lives,” said Kren. “I think it’s important that people know you never know when it can happen to you. It might be your family member, your friends, your neighbors. It’s just so important to bring awareness to heart health.”
The Teen of Impact campaign launched in over 50 cities on National Wear Red Day®, February 7. In Northeast Ohio, several teens were nominated to participate. Collectively, this year’s Northeast Ohio nominees spread lifesaving awareness of hands-only CPR and taught others the importance of building heart-healthy habits. They also raised critical funds to support the American Heart Association’s vital work the region.
Other local nominees included:
- Lindsay Kish, Revere High School
Heart disease and stroke can impact anyone at any age. Passionate teens like those involved in Teen of Impact are leading the way for this next generation to live longer and healthier.
To learn more about the American Heart Association’s work in Northeast Ohio, visit heart.org/ohio.
Source: American Heart Association
