Where:

See you all there!

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer!  It has really been flying by for us.  Our August meeting is going to be held August 21st from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the Ronald McDonald House in Washington, DC.  We will have childcare and snacks.  This month Jennifer Ross will be speaking about the ACHA and her involvement in the Adult Congenital Heart Association.  The Adult Congenital Heart Association (ACHA) is a nonprofit organization which seeks to improve the quality of life and extend the lives of congenital heart defect survivors. Through education, outreach, advocacy and promotion of research, ACHA serves and supports the more than 1.8 million individuals with congenital heart defects, their families, and the medical community.  This organization is going to play a vital role in the future of our children.  Please join us for an information filled meeting!

Also, Adam with the Hope Marietta Foundation is holding a Casino night in February.  They are looking for two child “ambassadors” for our event.  The King of Hearts and the Queen of Hearts.  They will be featured in our sponsorship packet and our event as well.

Ideally they are looking for a boy and girl under the age of 18 who can attend at least the first hour of our event on February 12 and be the “star” of the evening.

If you are interested interested in this opportunity please send the following information to adam@hopemariettafoundation.org.  Winners will be chosen at random and we need all submissions to be in to us by Sunday August 15.

*     First Name
*     City/State
*     Age
*     Photo to be used in event materials
*     Diagnosis

Kristin Johnson
Coordinator: Mended Little Hearts of Washington, DC
customhearts@gmail.com
443-235-0943

We are excited to announce that registration has opened for our first ever Congenital Heart Walk! This new signature fund-raising campaign will take place at 8 nationwide locations this year including right here in our community at George Mason University, Fairfax, VA on Sunday, September 12^th at 10:00 am.  Please come out and walk with Mended Little Hearts!

As you know, this cause is important to all of us.

We need your active involvement to reach our 2010 goals of raising $20,000 and involving 200 participants.  Please consider joining us this year in one of the following ways:

• Join Our Team: Visit www.congenitalheartwalk.org and join the Mended Little Hearts team that has already been formed.

• Form A Team: Ask your family, friends and coworkers to walk with you. To start your own team, go to: www.congenitalheartwalk.org or e-mail Anthony Buffone at anthony@congenitalheartwalk.org.

• Donate: If you are unable to walk, but would like to donate, please click here

Hope to see you all at the walk! Please email Kristin at customhearts@gmail.com or Jennifer Ross at time4me30@gmail.com for more information

The Littlest Heroes Project is a non-profit based organization founded in January 2008 by Felicia Reinhard, made up of professional photographers nationwide that provide free photo sessions to our nations Littlest Heroes. Through the power of photography we are giving back and taking a stand for these children who sometimes feel forgotten because of their illnesses. We are here to let them know that they are heroes to many, and to share their inspirational stories and photos with the world.

I had a chance to do this with Dylan back in 2008.  It was a wonderful opportunity and I hope that all of you are able to take advantage of this.

July 16 & 17, 2010, Madison, WI

Parents and Caregivers, come learn and network with other families of children with Congenital Heart Defects. Learn the latest in medical advances, how to navigate the insurance maze, growing-up with CHD and much more…

Friday, July 16, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Ice Cream Social, American Family Children’s Hospital

Saturday, July 17, 2010, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Conference, Monona Terrace and Convention Center

Presented by:

Mended Little Hearts and Saving Little Hearts

American Family Children’s Hospital and the UW Department of Pediatrics

With Additional Sponsorship from:

Kohl’s and the American Heart Association

• Cost: Because of the generosity of our sponsors, there is no cost to attend this conference.
• Meals: Some light snacks will be offered at the conference, however meals will be on your own. You are welcome to purchase a boxed lunch on site at the conference or go out for lunch at one of the many restaurants that are within walking distance of Monona Terrace. We apologize, but no outside food is allowed at the Monona Terrace Convention Center.
• Childcare: Complimentary childcare will be provided on site. Please be sure to let us know in advance if your child has any special needs, food allergies, etc.
• Overnight Accommodations: Stay over night on Friday, July 16 or Saturday, July 17 at the new Hyatt Place in Downtown Madison for $99/night (reservations are required by June 16). Book online at: http://hyattplace.lodgeworks.com/?id=MEN Please see below for details.
• Conference Parking: Complimentary parking will be available in the Monona Terrace Ramp. There are many events happening in downtown Madison on Saturday morning, July 17 so please allow for plenty of time to park. For those staying overnight at the Hyatt Place, parking is available at the hotel and there will be a complimentary shuttle to the event.
• Register on-line by Wednesday, June 30. Link to on-line registration.
• For more information, email or call: Amy Basken at madisonwi@mendedlittlehearts.org or (608) 370-3739

Click here for more information

OPEN HEART SURGERY

Mended Heart Bear is the perfect companion to anyone who is recovering from open-heart surgery. Mended Heart Bear has joined the “zipper club” (named for the scar on the chest which looks a bit like a zipper).

Mended Heart Bear features:

• A functional zipper on his chest (it opens and closes to expose his mended heart)
• A red felt heart, hand-mended with white thread “stitches”

Details of every Bummer Bear:

• Small bean-like weights hidden in his derriere and in the bottoms of his paws to help him sit up by himself
• 18″ tall from head to toe (well, from head to paw) and 12″ tall when seated.
• FREE SHIPPING via USPS Priority Mail.

Click here for more information or to order a bear

We will be having our 3rd Annual Picnic on June 27th from 2:00 – 4:00 PM at the Ronald McDonald House in Washington, DC. We will be providing hot dogs, hamburgers, drinks, and other goodies. This is a great event to catch up with our current members and to introduce new members into our group. We ask that each family brings a side item or dessert. Please RSVP to customhearts@gmail.com before                                                   June 15th and let us know what you would like to bring! Hope to see you all there!!