Rotary is proud to support Heart Heroes in providing assistance to children and families affected by Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) through the distribution of superhero capes, programs to offer hope, and awareness initiatives to increase funding for CHD research.
Here is a quick snapshot of Heart Heroes.
Name of Organization: HEART HEROES INC
Address: 6621 S 172 Ave.; Omaha, NE 68135
Contact Person: Kitty Burton Executive Director (402) 960-9287
kitty@heartheroes.org
Website: https://heartheroes.org/nebraska/
Mission Statement/History of Organization:
A Heart Hero is a child born with an abnormality of the heart that is present at birth called Congenital Heart Disease, CHD. One in 100 children are born with CHD--that’s 1,000,000 babies each year. CHD is the most frequently occurring birth defect and the leading
cause of infant death. From birth, these brave children are given a disadvantage of living a long, healthy life. They endure routine and complex medical procedures throughout their life that will categorize them as disabled, rather than heroic. Although CHD is widespread, awareness and support are scarce. Heart Heroes is the only CHD-focused nonprofit organization in the entire state of Nebraska to educate and support this unserved community.
The Heart Heroes, Inc.'s mission provides support to children and families affected by Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) through the distribution of superhero capes, programs to offer hope, and awareness initiatives to increase funding for CHD research.
History
In 2009, moms of children battling CHD wanted to empower their children throughout their CHD journey. They learned by wrapping their child in the simple idea of a superhero cape, their children felt invincible while visiting their cardiologists. In many cases, the children found comfort in their cape amidst a crowd of medical professionals, especially if they couldn’t have the comfort of their parents’ arms during some procedures.
They found the “superpower” their children gained through the cape is something that should be shared with all CHD children. Heart Heroes was created with the hope that all children will feel these superpowers – and that their parents will be comforted knowing that the arms that always protect them can momentarily be substituted with the superpowers of the Heart Hero cape.
Engagement
Heart Heroes will fully immerse the Omaha Rotary Club in their mission by engaging our members in the various programs. Whether it be filling totes of hope to be delivered to the hospital, delivering inpatient monthly meals to CHD families at Children’s Hospital, or attending family support events and getting an opportunity to see the kids laugh, play, and run because of the opportunities provided through the grant. In addition to fully engaging the Omaha Rotary Club in their mission, Heart Heroes will share results through testimonials and pictures presented in the final report completed in December of each year.
