Sunday, Ken, Ellie and I went up to Farmington, Ct. for the Little Hearts Picnic. Little Hearts is a group that offers information and support to children born with CHD and their families. They have a big picnic every year to get everyone together. It is a chance for the kids to hang out with other kids who have been through similar things and for the families to chat and share. This year there were more than 700 people from 12 states including a few health care professionals, CHD kids, their families and 50 members of the Columbia Chapter Hog Group who every year do a charity poker motorcycle run to help raise money for Little Hearts.
There was everything that made a great day – clowns, balloons, canoes, bouncy castles, cookout food, and loads of kids running around having fun.
Bouncy Castle
Canoe ride
We were the last in line for a balloon, poor Ken was given the “end of the line” vest and the privilege of telling kids that there were no more balloons after ours.
Ring Pop
Mid-day they gathered all the heart kids up and took a big photo. The kids were called out one by one and arranged. Our Ellie ran out and plopped down right in front, not shy that one.
It was amazing to see how many there really were – I don’t know the exact count of CHD kids there but Ken said he heard it was 140 something. They were all doing well and running around as if no one had ever tinkered with their hearts.
These kids were amazing and inspiring and so were the families. I am so glad we went and it will be on our calendar for years to come.