SOUTH KINGSTON, R.I. – Sammy Fagan is an 8th grader with a lot of energy at heart.

The 14-year-old is extremely dedicated to the heart and is an avid fundraiser for the American Heart Association, raising thousands of dollars in donations for Go Red for Women in particular in recent years. ing.

“I was born with a heart defect, and thanks to Go Red for Women, I know the importance of life-saving research,” she said in an interview this week about the Women’s Heart Health Program. Told.

To celebrate Go Red for Women’s 20th anniversary, she has pledged to raise $20,000 by the end of Heart Health Month in February. She was recently honored for her efforts at a special luncheon.

Like many others, heart disease has had a big impact on Fagan’s life, and for good reason.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately 1 in 100 babies born in the United States is diagnosed with a congenital heart defect each year.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), congenital heart disease is the most common type of congenital disease, affecting nearly 1% of births worldwide.

Born with a congenital heart defect, Fagan spent most of his formative years in and out of hospitals.

As she grew older, her heart also grew stronger. Now, she said, she’s paying it forward and raising her funds and awareness to prevent other families from facing the same suffering her family has endured.

In 2018, she created Sammi Skates RI Red to combine hockey and her awareness work with the AHA.

“I skate in red laces and practice in a red jersey. I share it on social media. My team and I skate in red for women’s heart health and practice in red.” I have skated in many arenas,” the Broadrock Middle School student said.

“Hockey is my life. I’m grateful to have a healthy heart and be able to play hockey. That’s why whenever I get a chance to skate, that’s what I love most. I want to use my story to raise awareness. If possible, that’s even better,” the girl added.

Her passion can be a passion for others, she said, even if they don’t have heart disease.

The human heart beats about 100,000 times a day, or about 35 million times a year.

During an average lifetime, the human heart beats more than 2.5 billion times. Grip the tennis ball firmly and firmly. It uses about the same amount of force that the heart uses to pump blood to the body.

The National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion says more than 877,500 Americans die from heart disease and stroke each year, accounting for one-third of all deaths.

These diseases are economically devastating, costing the U.S. health care system $216 billion annually and causing $147 billion in lost work productivity.

“We all know someone who has heart problems,” Fagan said, noting that it is the number one cause of death among women.

The AHA reports that heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, claiming the lives of approximately one in five women.

The Office on Women’s Health, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, highlights several risk factors for heart disease in women, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity.

So raising awareness is important on so many levels, Fagan said.

“Participating is as simple as wearing red or a red dress pin,” she said, and was quick to suggest ways to contact people for more information by contacting them on Instagram @sammi_skates_ri_red or through the American Heart Association.

Her fundraising page is givemart.com and the young fundraiser said she is always looking to encourage others to pitch in.

Despite the prevalence of heart disease among women, awareness of heart disease risk factors and symptoms remains lower than expected.

The AHA emphasizes the importance of education and awareness, as Fagan is helping organize campaigns to improve early detection and prevention efforts.

In 2020, AHA recognized five local volunteers, including Fagan, and organizations for their work helping create a longer, healthier world.

“The life-saving work that the American Heart Association does would not be possible without the efforts of our incredible volunteers and strong corporate partnerships,” American Heart Association Regional Vice President Alyssa Memory said at the time.

“We applaud the efforts of these incredible volunteers to foster healthier workplaces and communities as part of our mission to build equitable health and well-being for people across our region.” she said.

There is a saying that each person is assigned a certain heart rate to make the most of every day.

“I’m young and I want to live a long life,” Fagan said, adding, “I also know that if I want to achieve my dreams, I have to work hard for them.” So I strive every day to be more conscious and play hockey! ”