Connor Keyes of Brunswick wears his “Heart Hero” cape at last year’s event.
Heart defects are the leading birth defect in Maine children. The American Heart Association is hosting its second annual “Little Heart Hero Day” – an afternoon of fun and networking for children with congenital heart defects and their families – on Sunday, October 16th at the Franco Center in Lewiston from 1-3 pm.
This free event will feature inspirational guest speakers, crafts, heart-healthy snacks, live music, and great networking for parents. Country musician Mark Gentle of Farmington will perform “Carter’s Song” for his son as well as additional live music. Mark and his family were featured on the Today show as well as Rachael Ray after their son Carter’s photograph of his heart scars went viral with an outpouring of support.
All Little Heart Heroes – survivors of congenital heart defects (CHDs) – will receive personalized red capes. Family members can also enjoy many crafts including t-shirt and pumpkin decorating, make-your-own healthy snack bags, face painting, and an appearance by a balloon artist. Hands-Only CPR demonstrations will also be provided.
In the U.S. about 40,000 babies are born with a CHD each year, which equates to one child every 15 minutes. Approximately 25% of children born with a CHD will need heart surgery or other interventions to survive. Today, because of advancements made through research, more infants born with congenital heart defects survive to adulthood. Despite the progress made in understanding and treating CHDs, more research is needed.
To RSVP for this free event, sponsored by Spectrum Medical Group, please contact Brenda Vitali at [email protected] or 207.289.2387.
