Healing Hearts at Golisano Children's Hospital

GCH banner

manykids

Healing Hearts at Golisano Children's Hospital

Claire Elizabeth Kowal came into this world with the cards stacked against her. Before she was born, her parents Jennifer and Pete knew that she would need not one, not two, but three open-heart surgeries.

Thanks to the experienced care team at Golisano Children's Hospital's Children's Heart Center, little Claire Elizabeth is doing incredibly well. She will be recognized at the Rochester Heart Ball, set for Saturday, Feb. 4. What's more, her parents have decided to pay it forward, creating a support group to help other families of children born with heart defects.

Read this recent interview with the Kowal family from the Democrat and Chronicle for more on Claire Elizabeth's progress and the Mended Little Hearts chapter that her family started up to support other families going through similar issues in the community.
Read an in-depth account of Claire Elizabeth's medical journey from last February 2010, leading up to her second of three surgeries.
Check out this story, shared by YNN Rochester from last April, with more on Claire Elizabeth's progress after her second surgery.

Growing Our Children's Heart Center

Congenital heart disease is the most common major birth defect, with one in every 120 babies affected. Decades ago there wasn't much hope for these babies. Today, we perform life-saving heart surgery on newborns, like Jason Gaines (pictured on the left), who live into adulthood. Golisano Children's Hospital has made it a priority to raise funds for seven pediatric programs, including the Children's Heart Center.

To learn more about families who have been helped by our Children's Heart Center:

Read about one of last year's Miracle Kids, Ryan Sheehan.
Watch a video in which the mom of one of our 2010 Miracle Kids, Addison Koons, shares his story.
Read about one of our 2009 Miracle Kids, Jason Gaines
Watch a video with Jen Tillou, social worker for the Children's Heart Center.
Check out this blog post with a video on new cardiac guidelines with the guidelines coordinator, Golisano Children's Hospital's Dr. Rae-Ellen Kavey.
Visit our website's Planning for Our Future section on how we're hoping to enhance Golisano Children's Hospital's Children's Heart Center.

If you'd like to make a gift to support this program, please call (585) 273-5948 or give online.

Winter Walk for Strong Kids this Sunday

February is American Heart Month, and what better way to celebrate than outdoors in a winter wonderland? The third annual Winter Walk for Strong Kids, on Sunday, Feb. 5 at the Nazareth College Shults Center, is a fun way for the whole family to engage in a heart-healthy activity. All ages are invited to enjoy the walk, which will benefit Golisano Children's Hospital. Sign up today or contact Becky Fahy at rfahy6@naz.edu

Upcoming Events

Feb. 4 - Cycle for Hope

Feb. 5 - Winter Walk for Strong Kids

Feb. 18 - Battle of the Beaks

Feb. 25 - Ugly Disco

Feb. 28 - IHOP Pancake Day

March 24 - Keeping Hope Strong

March 31 - Monte Carlo Night

March 31 - Taylor Brush Dinner Dance

Visit our calendar of events, for more on the various community fundraisers held to support Golisano Children's Hospital.

To give hope to children and their families today, please make a gift to Golisano Children's Hospital.

Stay connected with Golisano Children's Hospital by checking out the sites below and visiting our Pediatric Newsroom and our campaign blog.