The American Heart Association is a non-profit organization that raises money to research the cure for and/or assist people with heart disease. Not only do all of their proceeds go to research, but they use everyday people from the community as symbols of hope.

Central High School’s Alyssa Rosenzweig, a sophomore, was born with an Atrial Septal Defect, which is a hole in one’s heart. The American Heart Association’s research saved her life, and now Alyssa uses that as motivation to help the cause.

Starting on October 22, 2014, Central will begin raising money for this organization and Alyssa will be collecting the donations. A competition between the grades, and all for an excellent cause, will encourage more students to help their community.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women, and everyone knows somebody who is  affected by it. Approximately 600,000 people lose their lives to heart disease each year, but associations such as A.H.A. are working strenuously to decrease that number as much as possible.

“I’ll support it all the way. I believe that it’s a great thing to do and I think that students would love to help out knowing that one of their fellow classmates struggled with it,” shared Mr. Finely King.

Recently, WDEF News gathered heart disease survivors, including Alyssa Rosenzweig, and created a commercial. They hope that it will raise awareness as well as show those who are suffering that there is hope.

“I’m so glad to see teenagers caring about things like this. It’s been difficult to get schools involved, and Central just jumped right in,” stated Kim Walker- Johnson, a representative for the Heart Association and a strong team leader for the Heart Walk.

Many believe that teenagers in general have a wretched reputation for being hateful and/or not caring about things such as this. However, Central High School is challenging each and every stereotype about young adults with this fundraiser.  They are helping the community as well as themselves.

“I can’t wait to see how many kids actually get involved. I know they will, which just gives me hope for our generation,” commented Emily Brandon, a sophomore at Central and a very passionate supporter of the association.

Central’s students have expressed great interest in the upcoming fundraiser, as well as shown an overflow of excitement to battle it out with which grade can raise the most money.

“I’m positive that this will be something that is not only helpful, but fun as well, and it means so much to me to see all the support,” Alyssa Rosenzweig declaimed.

On November 8, a Heart Walk will be held downtown at the Lookouts/AT&T Stadium. The walk will begin at 8:30 and is open to anyone who wishes to come. Alyssa’s team, named Central High School, will be walking in honor of everyone who has suffered heart disease or anyone who has lost someone due to it.

The American Heart Association would like to thank Central High School for their effort and contribution, as well as Mr. King for allowing it and being incredibly supportive.

“Good luck! It’s greatly appreciated,” Kim Walker-Johnson added.