When survivors share their stories, it helps us all learn how we can prevent heart disease and stroke. At America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk (Set for March, 2026), survivors of heart disease wear red caps, and stroke survivors wear white caps, so we can easily recognize the heroes among us. Children born with heart defects wear capes, since they are superheroes!
Each year, we choose a few survivors to serve as our Red Cap Ambassadors. Could you be one of those ambassadors? Do you know someone who would be a great ambassador? Send us a nomination for consideration! 2026 will be the 52nd anniversary of this great community event!
If you do know someone, or it’s you, please nominate them/yourself to be a Red Cap Ambassador and share their/your story! Applications are due by September 1, 2025
Fill out the form below and send along a photo. We’ll also have our Red Cap Ambassadors sign a talent release and HIPAA form.
- Responsibilities of a Red Cap Ambassador may include, but are not limited to:
- Recruiting friends and family to be a Heart Walk team to fundraise for the American Heart Association, and to celebrate with you at the Heart Walk!
- Speak at Kickoff for America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk.
- Interviews with local media outlets prior to Heart Weekend.
- A Radiothon interview during Heart Weekend.
- A television interview during Heart Weekend.
- Possible print interview during Heart Weekend.
- American Heart Association will share your story on its social media pages
- Share your story on your own social media channels
By sharing their stories, Red Cap Ambassadors remind us all that anyone can live with heart disease or stroke, regardless of age, gender or race. They inspire participants in America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk to share their passion and raise funds for research and education. Hearing their experiences motivates all of us to involve our family, friends and colleagues to join our teams and support the American Heart Association!
Heart disease and stroke remain among the top killers of Americans. Approximately every 39 seconds, someone has a heart attack. A heart attack occurs every 40 seconds; someone has a stroke every 3 minutes and 11 seconds. The good news? Heart disease and stroke are largely preventable. The American Heart Association funds research and programs to change those statistics.
We cannot wait to meet our 2026 Red Cap Ambassadors!
Please complete and submit this form