I received the following press release that I am happy to post —
Who: Lakeview Elementary students and staff and local child survivors of Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and their families (Families and staff available for media interviews)
What: For the past eight years, hundreds of students at Lakeview Elementary have been participating in the American Heart Association’s Jump Rope For Heart program in support of five local children affected by Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, a fatal heart defect if not treated properly.
Where: Lakeview Elementary Gymnasium, W8363 R and W Townline Road, Whitewater, WI 53190
When: April 6 – April 9, 2009 Various times for media opportunities daily
Why: In hypoplastic left heart syndrome, the left side of the heart — including the aorta, aortic valve, left ventricle and mitral valve — is underdeveloped. The baby often seems normal at birth, but will come to medical attention within a few days of birth as the ductus closes. This heart defect is usually fatal within the first days or months or life unless it’s treated. Children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome require lifelong follow-up by a cardiologist for repeated checks of how their heart is working. Virtually all the children will require heart medicines.
Jump Rope for Heart/Hoops for Heart is a national educational fund-raising program that is sponsored by the American Heart Association and the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. Since 1978, the program has raised over $703 million for the fight against heart disease, the number one birth defect and number one killer of Americans. The efforts also support the fight against stroke, the number three killer of Americans. Millions of students have jumped rope, shot hoops and learned about community service, heart health and how nutrition and physical activity can help prevent heart disease and stroke.