Here is a Facebook link to the Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/138370826325119/
I hope all of my Texan heart friends will go to the event and support the Children's Heart Foundation. Because of some of the dignitaries who will be present, you must RSVP to attend. Please let Sarah Berg or me know if you intend to come.
Some of you may not know about the Children's Heart Foundation. From their website I copied this: ". . . The Children’s Heart Foundation was incorporated in Illinois in June 1996. Through 2012, the Children's Heart Foundation has contributed an astounding $5.3 million toward 52 revolutionary congenital heart defect (CHD) research studies. As the country's leading organization solely committed to CHD research funding, CHF dedicates itself to bringing health, hope and happiness to children and families impacted by a CHD."
Like Baby Hearts Press, The Children's Heart Foundation was started by parents in 1996. Both Frank and I, and Betsy and Steve Peterson, had sons born with complex congenital heart defects. Betsy and Steve lost their son, Sam, too soon due to complications from his complex heart defects. The fact that they were able to turn their tragedy into a vehicle for helping others is admirable. They have provided education (they produced a book), a website, a CD of music and, as noted above, an incredible amount of funding to help us better understand congenital heart defects and, hopefully, eventually eradicate them.
Here are the details for the event:
What? Children's Heart Foundation - Texas Debut Chapter Event
When? February 13, 2013 from 5:00pm until 7:30pm
Where? MAX's Wine Dive ATX 207 San Jacinto, Austin, Texas 78701
Why? To meet others in the Central Texas region who are also passionate about helping people with congenital heart defects, to have fun and to raise money for the Children's Heart Foundation-TX. There will be a Silent Auction as well as appetizers & drinks.
We always do everything bigger and better in Texas so bring your wallet and your desire to help this wonderful cause on Wednesday night!
It is an honor to be one of the speakers for this exciting event. I am also excited that, while Alexander (my son born with a single ventricle heart) cannot come since he's in college in New York, one of our friends, Katie Lynn Cataldo, will accompany me to the event! Katie and Alex became friends a little over a year ago when they met at another congenital heart defect fundraiser. Katie was born with hypoplastic right heart syndrome. Here are some photographs of Alex and Katie at her 18th birthday party. It's such a miracle that Alex and Katie are still with us. My heart aches for Betsy and Steve but, thanks to the Children's Heart Foundation, Sam will never be forgotten! Because of his precious life, many other children may be spared from dying too young due to their heart defects. All three of these children -- Alex, Katie and Sam -- are reminders of why we need to treasure each and every day and how one person can make a difference.
Hope to see some of you soon!
Anna
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