Imagine the excitement and joy of holding your healthy newborn baby. More families than you might imagine never get to experience that joy. Instead, they are told their child has been born with a terminal illness. The world suddenly stops for them and their loved ones. This was exactly what Keith and Julie Overton experienced when they delivered MacKenzie, the first of their 4 children in 1995. Diagnosed with a rare and terminal heart condition, MacKenzie changed the Overton's appreciation for life and her story inspires anyone close to a child with a life threatening medical condition.
Athletes for Hearts, Inc. was created to provide assistance to families with children in need of medical treatment specific to a heart condition and to fund medical research for heart disease with a special emphasis on heart conditions affecting children. In February, Athletes for Hearts will host its 2nd annual Softball for Hearts weekend of fun-filled events centered around a girls fastpitch softball tournament as its primary source of fundraising in St. Petersburg, Florida. Friday night, February 6th, 2009 Softball for Hearts weekend begins with its auction, dinner and presentation, which will be hosted by two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and Athletes for Hearts board member, Michele Smith and Bay News 9 Anchor, Jen Holloway. During the presentation, you will get updates on the sport of fastpitch softball from the world softball ambassador herself. Photo and autograph opportunities with Michele, other Olympians and many nationally recognized softball players and pro athletes will also be available from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Dr. Ann Steele and Dr. Alfred Asante-Korang will also introduce you to recent advancements and success stories in the field of pediatric cardiology. Hearing about some of the children and families for which your dollars help provide a better life will warm your heart.
Inside the TradeWinds Island Grand's 10,500 square foot Pavilion, enjoy world-class food and beverages and bid on literally hundreds of auction items including fabulous vacation packages, in-home parties provided by local celebrity chefs, attraction tickets, sports packages, sports memorabilia, spa services, sports equipment and much more.
On Saturday and Sunday, February 7th and 8th the NSA Softball for Hearts charity girl's fastpitch softball tournament (8U through 18U) will be held at the Eddie C. Moore softball complexes in St. Petersburg. Appearances by Michele Smith, other Olympians, and nationally recognized players will take place Saturday morning. Specially priced overnight accommodations are available at the host facility, TradeWinds Island Grand Beach Resort on St. Pete Beach.
MacKenzie Overton's love for fastpitch softball was the impetus for the creation of Athletes for Hearts, Inc. While daily medicines must be administered and frequent tests will be required for the rest of her life, MacKenzie otherwise leads the life of a normal 13 year old girl. With minimal restrictions on her physical activities, she enjoys many successes as a young female athlete. MacKenzie's medical care continues to be performed by Pediatric Cardiology Associates and All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida. Athletes for Hearts supporters and Board of Directors understand that financial limitations often prohibit the necessary medical treatment a child may require for survival and that many families may never experience the good fortune that has blessed MacKenzie and the Overton's. Pediatric Cardiology Associates and All Children's Hospital provide medical care for children from all over the country. Athletes for Hearts, Inc. is on a mission to ensure that any child needing this medical care receives the opportunity to survive and overcome a life threatening heart defect.
Please become a sponsor or make a small donation. We cordially invite you to join us for one or both of these terrific events in February. In doing so you'll see first-hand how your dollars and support can make a difference in a child's life.
To see how MacKenzie's life has progressed after her heart transplant,
view her 4 minute slideshow here.
