Kansas Teen Raises Heart Health Awareness After Father's Passing

Sophomore Zella Handzel honors her late father's legacy by leading CPR training and fundraising for the American Heart Association

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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After the sudden passing of her father, Chris, from a cardiac arrest, 16-year-old Zella Handzel is using her platform as a Kansas Teen of Impact to raise awareness around heart health and the life-saving technique of CPR. Zella is leading school and community events, including CPR training sessions and fundraisers, to honor her father's memory and make a positive impact in her local community.

Why it matters

Zella's story highlights the importance of heart health education and the power of turning personal tragedy into positive change. By sharing her father's story and teaching critical CPR skills, Zella hopes to prevent other families from experiencing the same loss and to continue her father's legacy of community service and empowering others.

The details

After Chris Handzel collapsed and passed away from a cardiac arrest related to a family history of heart conditions, his daughter Zella was determined to keep his memory alive. As a Kansas Teen of Impact, Zella is leading a nine-week campaign to raise $10,000 for the American Heart Association through donations, school events, and community outreach. This includes hosting CPR training sessions, where participants learn the hands-only technique that allowed Zella's sister Emaline to spend a few more precious days with their father.

  • Chris Handzel collapsed at his older daughter Emaline's volleyball tournament in April 2024.
  • Chris Handzel passed away on April 29, 2024.
  • Zella Handzel received her driver's license and proudly checked the 'organ donor' box, following in her father's footsteps.
  • Zella Handzel led her first official Teen of Impact event, a hands-only CPR course, on February 18, 2026.
  • Zella Handzel's Kansas Teen of Impact campaign kicked off on February 6, 2026.

The players

Zella Handzel

A 16-year-old sophomore in Kansas who is using her platform as a Kansas Teen of Impact to raise awareness around heart health and CPR in honor of her late father, Chris.

Chris Handzel

Zella's father, who passed away in 2024 from a cardiac arrest related to a family history of heart conditions. He was an organ donor and a passionate advocate for heart health.

Emaline Handzel

Zella's older sister, who performed CPR on their father Chris when he collapsed at her volleyball tournament, allowing the family to spend a few more precious days with him.

Carissa Handzel

Zella and Emaline's mother, who was moved to tears when the family discovered that Chris had quietly changed his mind to become an organ donor.

Natalie Spar

The American Heart Association Development Director who nominated Zella to be a Kansas Teen of Impact.

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What they’re saying

“Zella is just such a personable, joyous person. She's just a joy to be around. She really wants to bring honor to her dad and her family. And I think that's a really, really touching reason for wanting to do this.”

— Natalie Spar, American Heart Association Development Director (smeharbinger.net)

“Instead of withdrawing or getting angry and lashing out about [Chris's death], I'm really proud of her, because she's chosen to take this and find a new meaning for her life to where she can educate and support other people.”

— Lynn Vandolah, Zella's grandmother (smeharbinger.net)

“I think that this bad experience honors her father because she is teaching other people and making other people aware of heart health. That's done as his legacy. He would be so proud of her.”

— Lynn Vandolah, Zella's grandmother (smeharbinger.net)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.