Originally posted on February 11, 2025
Willow Creek Elementary School kicked off its annual Kids Heart Challenge with a heartfelt tribute, dedicating this year’s event to one of their own, fourth grader Leo Mansfield.
The schoolwide assembly featured a cheer led by Willow Creek students, a message of gratitude from Monalisa Mansfield, Leo's mom, and guest speaker Elizabeth Lotter, School Engagement Director for the American Heart Association (AHA), who spoke to students about the importance of heart health and advocacy.
For Leo and his family, the challenge is more than just a fundraiser. It’s a source of support and awareness. Born with a congenital heart defect, Leo underwent his first open-heart surgery at just 15 days old and his second at six months. Now, at age 10, he is preparing for his fifth surgery, scheduled for March 11.
“It means a lot,” his mother said. “When Leo was born with his heart condition, it was unexpected. When you think of having a baby, you have expectations, and ours was not being in the NICU for six months and two open-heart surgeries.”
Despite his condition, Leo remains active and engaged, enjoying school, sports, and group activities. His mother hopes the Kids Heart Challenge will teach students an 
important lesson beyond heart health.
“I hope students learn that it’s not a disability and it doesn’t make you weaker. You can still do anything. You just need a little more support,” she said. “And to treat people with kindness, because you never know what they’ve been through or are going through.”
Lotter emphasized the importance of early education in heart health, saying, “Prevention starts at five, not 59. These students are learning how to take care of their hearts now, and they’re also learning about advocacy.”
As part of the AHA’s mission, students are encouraged to learn hands-only CPR, a skill that has already saved lives. Lotter shared a powerful story of a kindergarten student who learned CPR and later used it to help save a life at church.
Throughout the event, though he's preparing for his next open-heart surgery that will keep him out of school for around six weeks, Leo was all smiles.
“I feel great with all of the support from my school. I’m happy,” he said. “This is all about helping people get better, and it feels good to have the support of my friends and my school.”
We are #EMSproud of the students at Willow Creek Elementary for wrapping Leo in support while raising awareness and funds to support fellow students with congenital heart defects.
