How Can You Help?
American Heart Association has both a fundraising walk and run to raise money for research. You can either walk/run and become sponsored or you can sponsor someone! However, as mentioned in the Living Healthy section, exercise is good for you, so you should walk/run!
Another extremely easy and important thing that people can do is donate blood. Jack recieved countless bags of blood and would not be with us without it. You can visit the American Red Cross to sign up and find a location nearest you. All it takes is a few minutes of your time to sign up, an hour out of your day, and one pint of blood. And in return you'll get juice and cookies, with a bandage on your arm you'll get extra special treatment, you'll weigh less (1 pint less, to be exact), oh and you're blood could save someone else's life. Also, you can give every 56 days, that's 5 times a year!
Additionally, learning CPR can help save a life, too. There are many classes offered weekly, during the days, nights, and on the weekends, to find and register for a class near you visit American Heart Association.
But what about those born with heart defects? Do they have hope? Definitely! With all of the amazing technology we have today, babies can be diagnosed sooner, and can get the help they need immeadiately after birth. Additionally, there is a camp called Camp Odayin that is run by doctors and nurses who specialize in pediatric cardiology. Camp Odayin allows child with heart normalities to have a 'normal' chance at a childhood. Many children have restrictions put on their lives, but with the supervision of specialists, the risk diminishes and children can enjoy the outdoors, games, crafts, and tons of other activities. For parents and families with children with heart conditions visit Camp Odayin. For everyone else, you can visit the website as well to sponsor a child!