About the Event
The proceeds from the 18th annual Save a Heart event will be divided between programs in the Congenital Heart Center and the construction fund for the Congenital Heart Center in the new C.S. Mott Children's Hospital. These funds will allow us to continue to assist our patients and families in a multitude of ways, including travel and lodging expenses for patients and their families. In a time when more medical costs are being shifted to the patient, one of our goals is to relieve the families' financial burdens during an already stressful time.
The Congenital Heart Center provides comprehensive care for infants, children and young adults with congenital heart disease through highly trained cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, intensive care specialists, nurses, social workers, anesthesiologists and radiologists. Our excellence in patient care and an unwavering commitment to continuous improvement in the care process and the outcomes for patients makes the Michigan Congenital Heart Center an important resource not only for the state of Michigan but for the entire country.
The following are a few examples of how proceeds from Save A Heart have been utilized over the past years:
- Support for reunion and picnic for over 400 patients and their family members with complex heart disease. The focus of the event was to provide support, education and camaraderie in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. The activities had a carnival theme which included pony rides, a petting farm, entertainment, magic show, arts and crafts, games and prizes.
- Funding for a Child Life Specialist dedicated to the Congenital Heart Center. The role of the Child Life Specialist is to help reduce the stress and anxiety that is often associated with the hospital experience. The Child Life Specialist provides support to children through developmental appropriate activity, play and education.
- Purchase of educational materials including a patient/family computer with internet access for use during outpatient visits to the Congenital Heart Center.
