At just 15 years old, Bellevue High School sophomore Sydney Suh is proving that age is no barrier to making a meaningful impact. A dedicated student and community leader, Sydney balances a full schedule—playing volleyball, serving as a class officer, participating in the Girl Scouts and National Charity League, and even leading the high school division of the Korean American Health Professional Association. But this year, she has taken on an especially important mission: Fighting heart disease through the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Teen of Impact program.

The Teen of Impact program is a 10-week nationwide competition that challenges young leaders to raise awareness and funds for heart health—the leading cause of death among women. Sydney was nominated for the program this summer and immediately knew she wanted to take action. “This cause has touched my heart profoundly,” Sydney shares. “I lost both my grandparents within one year to heart disease, leaving me feeling useless as a young girl witnessing my family’s loss. High blood pressure runs in my family, and knowing I could lose anyone I care about, or even myself, inspires my efforts every day.”

Determined to turn personal loss into meaningful change, Sydney assembled an impact team that has now grown to 56 members, one of the largest in the program’s history. Together, they are working to spread awareness, raise funds for lifesaving research, and advocate for heart health across their community. “This campaign has made me realize I can make a difference, even at just 15,” she says.

Sydney’s goal is ambitious—making the biggest impact she possibly can by April 10th—but she is fueled by a deep commitment to the cause. “All the funds go directly to the American Heart Association to prevent heart disease and stroke through critical research, CPR education, AED access, cardiac emergency response plans for schools, and promoting healthy lifestyles,” she explains. One of the biggest highlights of her campaign is the upcoming “Rally for Red” pickleball tournament fundraiser on April 6th. All funds will go straight to her campaign so players of all skills, ages, and abilities will be making a direct impact by purely having fun. Sydney hopes this event, along with widespread community support, will help her reach her fundraising target and spread awareness about heart health.

“My community means the world to me,” she says. “As a nominee from Bellevue, I want to involve our community in this movement and make a difference—here and beyond.” Sydney’s passion and drive are evident, and she is calling on Bellevue residents to support her mission. “I would be eternally grateful if my neighbors in the Bellevue area would follow me in my journey and help save lives in our community. You never know, the person you can be saving might be someone you love,” she says.

Sydney hopes to bring in many donations and company business sponsors, big or small, because she believes every gift to her campaign is the gift of a life, because every life and every heart deserves saving. “If even one quarter of the households in Bellevue donated only $25 each, that would make a massive impact," she says. Local businesses can also be part of this movement. Sydney is seeking sponsors who are looking to support her cause. They will receive sponsorship benefits at her big fundraiser and the popular American Heart Association’s annual Heart & Stroke Walk in October 2025.

To support Sydney’s campaign or learn more about her fundraising efforts, follow her journey and get involved in the all-inclusive “Rally for Red” pickleball tournament event on April 6th, so you can save lives with her.