Annabel's Heart Fund: February 2009

About the Fund

Welcome to Annabel's Heart fundraising page. When our daughter, Annabel, was diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, a life-threatening congenital heart defect (CHD), we learned -- for the first time -- that CHDs are the most common birth defect affecting 1 in every 100 births. Through our experience and research over the past two years we now know much more about pediatric heart conditions, promising new surgical innovations, the urgent need for greater investment into CHD research, and the critical but costly equipment hospitals need to provide such specialized care.

We are fortunate Annabel receives her top-notch pediatric cardiology care from the truly collaborative team of the Congenital Heart Program at The Children's Hospital of Albany Medical Center, in Albany NY. As a result of our experience we have started Annabel's Heart Fund with a commitment to two key fundraising goals:

Hands on Hearts
Funds to purchase medical "wishlist" items so state of the art technical equipment is available to the experts who need it. We are currently committed to supporting Albany Medical Center: The Children's Hospital in the expansion of their Pediatric Congenital Heart Program. Donations will purchase selected items from their "wishlist".

Hungry Hearts
Funds to support innovative research projects for the early identification and treatment of congenital heart defects. We will allocate funds in support of promising research initiatives.

How it works
Rome wasn't built in a day. We have set ourselves a $10,000 target which we are breaking into bite size fundraising initiatives. Starting us off, a close friend ran the Marine Corps marathon on Oct.26th, 2008. Beginning November 1st, Annabel's favourite cow, Arnold, will embark on a trip around the world. And down the road, we see a summit ascent in Susie's future... The key is sponsorship. You sponsor us and we'll keep you entertained with blog photos and reports on each fundraiser! So please give generously, give often, and spread the word so that we can meet our goal.

We thank you for your support and for sharing this site with your family and friends. Help us reach a wider audience and spread the word.

- Susie, Seth & Annabel Powell
Coming soon... www.annabelsheart.com

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Exciting News in CHD Research

Now this is exciting news in the world of CHD research and practice. You can read about this newly developed simulation model which allows cardio-thoracic surgeons to virtually 'test-drive' several potential surgical approaches for pediatric heart surgery, even adjusting for blood pressure changes when the child exercises. This is a significant development for children with single ventricle heart conditions, like Annabel's HLHS. And, the timing seems especially potent since Annabel will be undergoing her third open-heart surgery, the Fontan, as described in the article, at Albany Med on March 24th. UCSD engineer develops method to combat congenital heart disease in children - http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090209152418.htm We'll be bringing Arnold home a little earlier than planned so he only has 4 remaining stops on his round the world trip. Please consider making a donation before we bring him home by clicking on the donate button in the sidebar. We're hovering around $750 right now -- please help us reach the $1,000 mark!