Two second-grade students from Alicia Ruiz Elementary School in Laredo, Texas, have become top fundraisers in South Texas through their efforts in the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge.
Eight-year-olds Jose Vaquera and Axl Aguilar-Sanchez raised a combined total of $8,336.53, placing them among the top five contributors in South Texas for this year’s campaign. The challenge, formerly known as “Jump Rope for Heart,” was created in 1979 to teach children about heart health and raise funds for kids with heart conditions.
The American Heart Association’s Senior School Engagement Director, Brandi Nelson, praised the students’ efforts. She said 230 schools across South Texas, from Laredo to Brownsville, took part in the program this year — but Jose and Axl stood out.
“Most of my schools don’t raise donations like this,” Nelson said. “Their school event was already over, and they still continued to raise funds on their own.”
The money will go toward health education, medical equipment, and lifesaving research. Nelson explained, “It helps fund projects like pacemakers and other tools that make a big difference in saving lives.”
To recognize their dedication, Ruiz Elementary hosted a ceremony in the school gym. Jose and Axl received bronze medals on red ribbons from the American Heart Association.
Axl raised $2,428.20. He said helping others in the community made him feel proud.
“We can make a better community, a better world — better everything,” Axl said. “I felt great and happy that I could help.”
Axl was also the only student in his class to participate in the fundraiser. His contribution earned him a spot among the top five individual fundraisers in South Texas.
“Help the world. Help the community,” he added, encouraging other students to join future efforts.
His mother, Melissa Aguilar, is a registered nurse. She said the cause is very personal to her family.
“As a nurse, I try to save lives every day,” she said. “But this is also close to my heart because I’ve lost my father and two brothers to heart problems.”
Melissa shared that her younger brother passed away at age 39, her older brother at 46, and her father died after suffering a stroke and heart attack.
“That’s why it’s so important to take care of your health,” she said. “Your child may be healthy today, but one day someone in your family might need help.”
She also believes fundraisers like this help children grow. “It teaches them communication skills. It shows them they can be heroes without wearing a cape.”
Jose raised $5,900.33, making him the second-highest fundraiser in South Texas and the sixth-highest in the entire state. He was awarded two trophies and a medal for his achievement.
“I want to help kids feel better,” Jose said. “I want to make Laredo, Texas, a better place.”
Jose reached out to family, friends, and classmates to collect donations. His parents, Sandra Llano and Jesus Vaquera, supported him throughout the campaign.
“He did something similar last year to help raise money for gym equipment,” Llano said. “So we told him, ‘We’re in again.’ We made videos, asked for donations, and the community came through.”
Llano hopes her son’s success inspires others.
“I hope this shows kids that they can make a difference,” she said. “If we work together, we can do great things and help each other. Like Jose says, ‘Let’s make this world a better world.’”
