Wyoming 2026 Heart at the Capitol Day

It was a typical day for Emerson Kelley, a then 10-year-old who had spent the weekend skiing and was back at school the following Monday. But then her life changed irrevocably.

Emerson experienced cardiac arrest and collapsed just minutes after arriving at her school. Fortunately for Emerson, her school had a plan – and an automated external defibrillator (AED) nearby.

“My life hung in the balance,” Emerson said. “The only reason I am alive … today is because my school had a plan, an AED and trained people who acted without hesitation. My school nurse, Noelle Mena, recognized cardiac arrest immediately, performed CPR and used an AED to shock my heart back into rhythm.”

Emerson, along with her parents Shawn and Lindsey, shared her story with American Heart Association advocates, as well as with legislators, on Feb. 10 at the 2026 Wyoming Heart at the Capitol Day.

More than 25 enthusiastic and passionate advocates shared information with legislators about the need for cardiac emergency response plans (CERPs) in schools. Anna Claire Musick, the reigning Miss Wyoming, as well as Alivia Denzin, Miss Wyoming’s Teen, attended the events, along with members of the Wyoming Athletic Trainers Association. Musick was introduced to legislators in the Senate and House of Representatives.

Throughout the day, advocates met with 22 legislators to share why heart health matters and how smart policies can make a real difference. Advocates met with the sponsor of the bill, Rep. Andrew Byron; chair of the house appropriations committee, Rep. John Bear; and other key members of the House and Senate. These conversations focused on acute cardiac events in schools and athletics, sparking meaningful dialogue about the role policy plays in creating environments where everyone has the opportunity to live longer, healthier lives.

The impact extended far beyond the meetings. Wyoming requires that any bill, aside from the state budget, introduced during a budget session must be approved by a two-thirds majority in its house of origin before moving through the normal legislative process. This crucial vote took place the morning after our lobby day, and as a result of advocate efforts, we successfully secured the necessary support. The bill passed 52-9, then later in the week, it passed the House Education and House Appropriations Committees, demonstrating the remarkable power of people uniting to advocate for change.

Emerson’s impact was definitely felt during the day. Now a high school junior and a softball player, Emerson emphasized she was not saved by one person but by a system of care. She also reminded everyone that while she was fortunate, schools cannot rely on luck and must have CERPs in place.

Want to learn more? Check out media coverage from the event: Sheridan Area Family To Lobby Lawmakers For School Cardiac Emergency Response Plans – Sheridan Media and help us spread the word by liking and sharing our Facebook post.

Your voice matters—act now! Join American Heart Association Heart Powered and help shape policies that save lives. Visit https://heartpowered.org or text HEART to 46839 today to make an immediate impact.