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Heart Events in Connecticut
For many of us, when we think February we think hearts. Candy hearts and valentines, puppy love, and boxes of chocolate. But February is heart month for another reason too. Nearly one in 100 babies are born with congenital heart defects. That adds up to about 40,000 births a year. There are a number of different kinds of defects ranging from mild to severe and in some cases, babies and children who require invasive treatments in order to survive. Our family became one of many living with a congenital heart defect after the birth of my son. Despite inevitable setbacks along the way, thanks to advances in medicine today he is a strong and thriving little boy.
February is Heart Month, a time to raise awareness about congenital heart defects and to continue the important work being done to further understand what causes them and how better to treat them. You can get involved in many ways, whether by donating to an organization that supports research or kids facing tough battles, or participating in one of the many heart events around the state.
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Fairfield County Heart Walk
Whether you want to start your own team, or just join one, the Fairfield County Heart Walk is a great way for families in southern Connecticut to get involved in a worthy cause. Enjoy beautiful views along the route which starts at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport. Heart walks are a celebratory way to spend a morning doing some real good to help others.
Sherwood Island State Park, Sherwood Connector, Westport, CT 06880
Greater New Haven Heart Walk
For those in the New Haven area, this heart walk at Savin Rock Beach is a super fun day. The festival-like atmosphere is a great kickoff for the walk along the shoreline. Walkers who raise $100 receive a free tee shirt and there are other prizes for collecting donations.
Savin Rock Beach, 6 Rock Street, West Haven, CT 06516
Greater Hartford Heart Walk
If you live in the Hartford area, there is a walk for you too. A firm date is yet to be announced, but this walk typically takes place in the autumn. Last year's walk in October took place at Rentschler Field and raised over $200,000 for the Heart Association.
Little Heart Heroes Day
If your family or a family you know has been personally affected by a congenital heart defect, Little Heart Heroes Day is a wonderful way to honor the journey of some of the tiniest fighters among us. This fall festival offers a free day of fun and activities for kids and families coping with the realities of congenital heart defects. The event is hosted by Lyman Orchards and is sure to bring a smile to every face.
Lyman Orchards, 32 Reeds Gap Road, Middlefield, CT 06455
Little Hearts
If you are looking for a way to give back now, Little Hearts is an organization that offers support services to families of children with congenital heart defects. Through donations, they are able to provide resources and community to families during what can be a very frightening and isolating time. The website also offers suggestions and resources for anyone wishing to create their own Heart Month campaign.
Children's Heart Foundation
This amazing nonprofit is one of the only organizations that specializes in funding promising research specifically targeted at congenital heart defects. They have directed over $9 million at research projects at some of the nation's top research facilities. They have also partnered with the American Heart Association to fund even more research over a seven year period. Many employers offer matching programs for charitable donations, it is worth checking to see whether yours might.
Kisses From Katie
This Connecticut-based nonprofit participates in a number of services that help families across the state. They assist in educating families and provide comfort to children during a time of need. Most notably, Kisses From Katie supplies pillows to children who have undergone open heart surgery at hospitals in the state. This may not sound like much, but let me tell you first hand that my son has received two pillows and both are not only treasures but proved indispensable following surgery. The pillows are soft and overstuffed, designed to be hugged to the chest when a patient needs to cough or sneeze, seemingly minor bodily reflexes that can be agonizing for heart surgery patients. The counter-pressure from the pillow allows for comfort which leads to courage which helps kids feel more in control of their own recovery. Consider making a donation to this grass roots organization in honor of Heart Month.
Heart Hero Capes
Kids with congenital heart defects often face big, scary interventions. The hospital can make even the bravest kiddo feel intimidated. Heart Hero tries to help give them a boost of courage with a personalized superhero cape. It may not sound like much, but I have seen first hand how these capes can bring a smile and a little bit of superhero courage to the smallest warrior. You can donate a cape to a child facing hospital time or order one for a heart hero in your life.
