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AUGUSTA — Congenital heart defects are the leading birth defect in Maine children; however, many parents report feeling alone when their child is diagnosed.
To help connect families across Maine and to provide a day for children with CHDs, the American Heart Association is hosting its fourth annual “Little Heart Hero Day” Sunday, Oct. 28, from 10 a.m. until noon at the Kennebec Valley YMCA, 31 Union St., for families affected by these heart defects.
The free family event will feature pumpkin painting, face painting, selfies, a balloon artist and heart-healthy snacks provided by Hannaford supermarkets. With a Little Heart Hero Halloween theme, all kids at this event will receive superhero masks and can also dress up in their own Halloween costumes. All Little Heart Heroes — CHD survivors — will receive personalized red capes.
Courtney Ross of the WPOR-FM morning crew will emcee a brief speaking program including a CHD survivor’s mom as she shares her son’s story. Attendees can also learn the lifesaving skill known as Hands-Only CPR with free demonstrations by the association’s staff. In addition, CHD survivors and their siblings will receive fun giveaways.
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 perecent 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, contact Brittany Whalen at Brittany.Whalen@heart.org or 207-289-2394.
