21 News at 6 pm Anchor Madison Tromler is lending her voice to a powerful cause, one that's personal. 

Tromler has been nominated as a 2025 "Woman of Impact" by the American Heart Association.

"American Heart Association's 'Women of Impact' campaign really unites women from across our region with one singular goal, and that is fighting the number one killer of women, cardiovascular disease," AHA Director of Communications Chelsea Caldwell said, "The 'Woman of Impact' campaign happens all across the country. Not only is it happening here in Northeast Ohio, but it's happening in, I believe, more than 50 cities nationwide. So really, the impact that these women are having is across the US."

The nine-week campaign raises awareness and critical funds for women's heart health.

The cause is personal to Madison because she was born with a ventricular septal defect, or VSD, a type of congenital heart defect that caused a hole in her heart too large to close on its own as a baby.

At 9 months old, Madison's doctor made a concerning discovery at a routine appointment and informed her mom of what was happening. 

"I went in for my regular check up and my pediatrician told her I was having congestive heart failure," she said, "I can only imagine how terrified my mom was in that moment."

She then had open-heart surgery at the Cleveland Clinic, a procedure that saved her life.

"It's been amazing the advancements we've had in science over the past decade since Madison had her heart issue when she was a baby," Caldwell said, "Each year, we just really advanced the science so that these children have a better chance of surviving."

Now, Tromler's raising funds through the American Heart Association 'Woman of Impact' campaign in hopes that more significant research can save other women in fighting all forms cardiovascular diseases.

"When it comes to congenital heart defects, the American Heart Association is really working to fund research and groundbreaking science that can make sure every baby that's born with CHD has the chance for a longer, healthier life," Caldwell said, "We are always researching and finding ways to better science and better the survival chances that everybody can live a healthier life."

The AHA reports about half of women over 20 have some form of heart disease, yet women are still underrepresented in research, which is why these funds matter. 

"I know my story is just one of many," Tromler said, "But if it can just motivate someone to go to a cardiologist, inspire someone to take care of their heart, then it's worth it for me."

The campaign runs until April 10 at 9 pm. 

Derek Steyer also interviewed Tromler on 21 News at 5 to discuss the campaign. Click here to watch. 

Click here to read more information, including vital facts women should know about heart disease, per the American Heart Association.