Where in the World is the Heart Heroes Gallery?

Each new week that I post the updated location of the American Heart Association's Heart Heroes Gallery, it's like a game of "Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?"  I should start dropping hints and see if people can find it.  Chargers, Rams, Caravans....

The Heart Heroes Gallery is now located at the Colorado Springs Dodge Dealership on the southeast corner of Woodmen Road and Austin Bluffs.  The Dodge Dealership is partnering with the American Heart Association and Mended Little Hearts of Colorado Springs.  Volunteers will be available to talk about the gallery, Heart Ball, Congenital Heart Defects, childhood obesity and cardiovascular health in general on Saturday, January 22, from 10am to 1pm.

January 2011 Cardiac Clinic Update

I can't believe how far AnnaSophia has come.  She used to go to clinic daily.  She used to be a very sick little baby.  Now, we go to Cardiac Clinic every four months.  The first time I was told that we didn't need to go back to clinic for four months, honestly, I was very scared.  "Are you sure???  What if I don't know that her heart is getting sick before next clinic???"  All of these thoughts and more went through my mind.  There was a certain degree of assurance that came from being a frequent flyer to the Children's Hospital.

I still have those nagging thoughts in the back of my mind, wondering if her heart is ok.  I actually look forward to clinic, so that I can be sure that she is ok.  Here's an oxymoron for you: I approach clinic with eager trepidation.  I am eager for her to have the tests which will show what condition her heart is in.  I am eager for good news and reassurance.  The trepidation I feel is knowing that there is always the possibility that her heart is not functioning as well as it should be. 

My motto has always been,

"Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst." 

Hope paid off this time.  AnnaSophia's EKG was good, her blood work came back within normal ranges, blood pressure was good, and her echo was unchanged from four months prior.  Unchanged meaning she has mild mitral valve regurgitation, a little bit of a leaky aortic valve, and some narrowing of her aortic arch.  Overall, AnnaSophia's heart is doing very well.  She looks great!  She runs around like crazy and nothing keeps her down. 

She is showing the world that a person can have a wonderfully productive life with a heart transplant.  I am so thankful for the gift of life she was given 2 and 1/2 years ago.  She wouldn't be here today, if it wasn't for the selfless gift that the Hibbert family gave my little girl.  Two and 1/2 years ago, I never thought she would see her third birthday.  Today, I'm resting in the thankfulness of a gift that means more than any material thing on earth.  If there is one thing that you can do to make a difference, please register to become an organ donor.  Click here for more information about organ donation.

Blessings.

Penrose Library Location

Honestly, I'm having a hard time keeping up with the new locations of the Heart Heroes Gallery.  It is now located at the Penrose Library in downtown Colorado Springs.  The children's department has graciously allowed us to display the gallery where the children read and play.  Saturday, we will have volunteers available to discuss children's and adult's heart health.  There will be coloring pages for the children, as well as the regularly scheduled story time for the library.  Come visit us and read these children's amazing stories. 

Be inspired by some of the most amazing young people you will ever know.

New Heart Heroes Location

The American Heart Association's Heart Heroes Gallery is officially up at the East Library in Colorado Springs.  Please stop by and visit these wonderful photos of some of the local kids in our community who were born with congenital heart defects.  Thank you to Beth for taking this picture of our gallery moving team today.  Tea and AnnaSophia, who are featured in the gallery, helped too.  Our kids are such good sports, accompanying us while moving the gallery and educating the public.  Saturday, January 8th, some of our volunteers will be at the library talking to people about CHDs, childhood obesity and improving our cardiovascular health.