VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Abby Larsen had just been named an ambassador for the American Heart Association at age 10. At that time, she was excited to talk to her classmates at New Castle Elementary about the importance of living heart-healthy lives and fundraising for the American Heart Association.
WAVY.com first last September in Virginia Beach. She had just been named an American Heart Association Ambassador at 10 years old. She was excited to talk to her classmates at New Castle Elementary about the importance of living heart-healthy lives and fundraising for the American Heart Association.
Fast forward to today, and this now 11-year-old has to wait no longer. Abby is in 5th grade, and she recently spoke to her entire school at multiple assemblies, fearlessly telling her story.
Abby was born with Tetralogy of Fallot, a defect affecting her heart structure.
“I had two open heart surgeries,” said Abby.
Both of those surgeries happened when she was a baby. This young lady is grateful to the doctors who performed those successful surgeries.
“I’m able to do almost everything that a normal person is able to do,” Abby said.
In her time as an ambassador, Abby has joined the Heart Walks and spread awareness at a Norfolk Tides game.
“We showed some examples of how to do hands-only CPR.”
At the assemblies at New Castle Elementary, she shared fun ways to fundraise for the cause.
“I think it’s a really good opportunity, and I’m happy that I’m doing this,” Abby said.
Abby is also going to be one of the models at the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Luncheon next Friday, Valentine’s Day.
WAVY-TV 10’s Katie Collett and Aesia Toliver will co-emcee the big event. The last day to buy tickets is Friday, February 7th. The luncheon is from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Hampton Roads Convention Center.
