Jamie was just 6 years old when a routine community EKG screening uncovered something unexpected: an atrial septal defect, a hole in his heart. A successful surgery followed and seemed to have solved the problem, but then Jamie developed supraventricular tachycardia, causing his heart to race dangerously fast and requiring yet another procedure. Through it all, surrounded by family and medical support, Jamie learned to face his fear head-on. Now serving as one of the American Heart Association’s national Youth Heart Ambassadors for the 2026-27 school year, he speaks openly about his experience to spread hope and raise awareness. His story carries weight, since congenital heart defects remain the most common birth defect in the country, affecting nearly 1 in 100 babies born each year. Donations to the Kids Heart Challenge fund critical research that saves lives and gives children the chance at longer, healthier futures. Today, Jamie is thriving, playing sports, hanging out with the people he loves, and picturing himself as a cardiologist someday. His hope is simple: that more families recognize how much early screenings matter when it comes to saving lives; Heart.org.