MYRTLE BEACH, S.C., Jan. 8, 2026— The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone, everywhere, celebrates the success of saddle club Team Noah. Team Noah, a dedicated fundraising team inspired by congenital heart defect survivor Noah Moore, has officially surpassed more than $1 million raised to support the lifesaving mission of the American Heart Association Beach Ride .The milestone reflects over a decade of commitment from family, friends, community members, and riders who rally each year to fund critical research that helps families like Noah’s.
Celebrating the Impact of Team Noah
Noah’s heart journey began before he took his first breath. During pregnancy, Noah’s parents learned that he had a hole in his heart. In October 2012, at five days old, he was airlifted from his birthplace in the Upstate to the Medical University of South Carolina. Two days later, he underwent open-heart surgery to correct a coarctation of the aorta, a life-threatening condition that restricted blood flow to the lower half of his body. Supported by advanced medical research and innovation, Noah recovered and continues to thrive today.
Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most common birth defect in the U.S., affecting nearly 40,000 babies each year – about 1 in 100 births. Thanks to advances in research and treatment, more people born with CHDs are living longer, healthier lives. Today, there are an estimated 1 million children and 1.3 million adult survivors in the United States. The Heart Association has been a driving force in funding research, advancing treatments and advocating for life-saving policies. Through its advocacy efforts, the Heart Association helped ensure that all 50 states now require pulse oximetry screening for CHDs in newborns. This simple, non-invasive test has helped save countless lives by enabling early detection and treatment.
Team Noah was founded in 2013, and what began as a family and close friends’ personal mission has grown into the Beach Ride’s most impactful fundraising team. The 2025 Team Noah group was comprised of 124 members from 7 states who collectively raised $131,809 for the Heart Association. Throughout the week, the team gathered for meals, wore matching shirts, and participated together in the event activities.
“When we started Team Noah, none of us imagined the ripple effect it would have,” said Tony Holland, one of the founding members of Team Noah. “Surpassing the $1 million mark shows what can happen when people come together for a purpose. We ride for Noah and we ride for every family who needs hope.”
The American Heart Association Beach Ride is a unique, five-day equestrian event that brings together riders and horses from across the nation to camp, ride, and raise critical funds and awareness in the fight against heart disease and stroke.
“Team Noah represents the true spirit of the Beach Ride,” said Lindsay Pampani, Beach Ride director, American Heart Association. “Their dedication has inspired thousands, and their impact will be felt for generations. We are honored to celebrate this incredible milestone with them.”
The 2026 American Heart Association Beach Ride will be held Nov. 4-8. For more information or to get involved, visit www.ahabeachride.org or contact [email protected].
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
