Even at a young age, Kenosha’s Jaida Carbone knows the importance of helping others. So, it makes sense that in just her first year of participating in the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge that Jaida already is excelling.
The now third grader at Harvey Elementary School in Kenosha finished last school year among the top individual fund-raisers to earn Kids Heart Challenge All-Star status. She raised just less than $1,100 for the program in 2024-25.
“I wanted to participate in the Kids Heart Challenge because helping people is really important to me,” Jaida said. “Both of my parents (Justin and Jackie) are nurses, so I’ve grown up seeing how much caring for others can make a difference. I feel like I have that same caring heart in me, and I want to help people, too.
“This challenge also means a lot to me because both of my grandpas had triple bypass surgeries. Raising money for the American Heart Association felt special, and I wanted to do it in honor of them. I’m proud to support a cause that helps families like mine.”
For nearly 50 years, the American Heart Association has been working with educators in elementary, middle, and high schools across the nation to help educate students about healthy living.
About the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge
The Kids Heart Challenge is a service-learning-based fundraising program that gives students the opportunity to feel good while doing good. It’s a way for students to better their life — all while changing someone else’s. Students, families, and staff also learn valuable life skills, including how to make smart food choices, the importance of avoiding vaping/tobacco, and the lifesaving skill of Hands-Only CPR.
Kids Heart Challenge engages elementary school students and their families to learn how to keep their heart, body, and brain healthy — while helping kids with special hearts live longer, healthier lives. It’s a fun and meaningful way to teach lifelong habits of health and helping others.
Funds raised through the KHC enable students to support community wellness and be part of the solution by funding research to improve cardiovascular health for all.
“We’re so thankful for the efforts of all our Kids Heart Challenge participants and volunteers every year,” Wisconsin American Heart Association Senior Development Director for School Engagement Lisa Schweitzer said. “Their passion, their excitement and their willingness to continuously drive our mission forward is just so inspiring. We obviously couldn’t do it without all of them.”
For more information about the Kids Heart Challenge, visit www.heart.org/getstarted.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
