Zella Handzel
Why I'm Fundraising
I'm excited to have been nominated to be part of the Go Red for Teen of Impact campaign this year. As part of this year's class of changemakers, I've brought together a team that's working to make the greatest impact possible on women's health. We will be raising much-needed funds for the American Heart Association and working to improve the health of our communities. I hope we can count on your support!
In 2004, Go Red For Women was born as a campaign to raise awareness among women about their greatest health threat — heart disease. Slowly, the campaign grew into a movement bringing together thousands of women. Go Red for Women is the trusted, passionate force for change. It provides a platform for women and their families to lead healthier lives and transform communities. It's not just about wearing red. It's not just about sharing heart-health facts. It's about:
- Providing opportunities for women to take charge of their health
- Building communities that support access to healthy choices
- Demanding equal access to health care for all women and their families
- Increasing women in STEM in upcoming generations
Our team is focused on preventing heart disease and stroke. We're promoting healthy lifestyles, building awareness and raising critically-needed funds to support research and education initiatives. Cardiovascular diseases, which include heart disease and stroke, claim the life of a woman about every 80 seconds. We hope you will join us on our mission because about 80% of these diseases may be prevented.
The time is now. Women are leaning into the idea that when we take a stand, commit, and work together, real change is possible. To support my campaign, click on the Donate to Nominee button below.
Kansas City Teen of Impact - Spring 2026
Zella Handzel
I’m so grateful to be nominated for the American Heart Association’s Teen of Impact campaign. This isn’t just a project or a title for me, it’s a chance to be part of something bigger in our community, and I’d love for you to be a part of it too.
Heart health became personal for me when my dad was fighting his own battle. He was able to get the care he needed, and even though he eventually passed, I’ll always be thankful for the extra time and second chances that support gave us. I want every family to have that same chance my family was so lucky to have.
I want to help build a future where heart disease doesn’t take so many lives, where every community has access to resources, and where more people get the help my dad did.
Heart disease touches too many lives, but we have the power to change that. Your support can advance the American Heart Association by:
Funding groundbreaking research to prevent heart disease from affecting teens and families.
Educating people on healthy living - nutrition, exercise, stress management, and more.
Ensuring access to quality healthcare for all.
Advocating for policies that create healthier communities.
Teaching lifesaving skills like CPR.
Join my team! By joining, you can help me raise more awareness and critical funds for heart health. Scroll to the Team Roster and click "Join this Nominee".
Make a donation! Starting February 6th at 9:00 AM, click "Donate to Nominee" to support my campaign with a tax-deductible donation! The competition concludes at 9:00 PM on April 9th.
