Dylan's Famous!

Well, sort of.  Before CHD week, I sent an email to the county newspaper suggesting a story of IHH as part of CHD week.  I was kind of surprised when I got an email back asking if the group has members who live in the county as they mostly focus on county issues and people.  I emailed back saying that we do have several members in the county and that I also live in the county.  I received another email asking for a phone number to reach me for a story.  Several days passed and last Monday while I was up at Primary's with the table IHH had, the lady who had been emailing me called. Unfortunately, my cell phone was beeping at me because the battery was basically empty.  I asked her if I could call her back.  When I was leaving the hospital I plugged my phone in the car charger and sat in the parking stall and called her back.  Which might not have been the best idea since I kept unplugging it accidentally and reception in the parking isn't the greatest.  After losing connection toward the end of our conversation, I decided to drive to a better location for reception before calling her back.  She asked a few questions and I told her a little about my own experience with IHH and with having a child with a heart defect.  I later emailed her a few pictures of Dylan for them to use with the article. 

This past weekend's edition had the article. I was surprised how big they had the pictures.  I thought the article turned out well.  Her opening wasn't quite what I had said (she wrote that I call IHH "the best group no one wants to join."  I had actually said it was the best group people wish they didn't have to be a part of, but I guess that's close enough), but I was just glad that I didn't sound like as big of a dork as I felt when I had talked to her.  When I looked at the article online, about 250 people had looked at it.  Not too bad.

And yes, I am keeping a copy of the article to put in Dylan's baby book.  Assuming I ever actually get around to making his baby book.  Surely one of these days I'll do it.  Surely.

Chick-Fil-A Fundraiser

Last night the Chick-Fil-A in South Jordan held a fundraiser for IHH where they gave 10% of the money they made in sales between 5 and 7 p.m.  We also had a donation jar and sold "Heart Hero" bracelets and IHH logo car stickers. 

I was impressed with all of the people who came to support IHH.  The seating area was pretty full for the two hours.  After 7 it got pretty quiet in there.  Molly and Alyssa were very sad to leave because they were having fun on the playground.  Emma was happy that I got extra food for her since she was still hungry.  She only complained that I made her share some.

This is a picture of the table we had set up with the IHH banner on the wall and Marye, a member of IHH who volunteered to help with the event.
Here's our family.  Lys wouldn't move her head out of Dylan's way so he's harder to see.

Thanks to all who came and helped make it a success!

CHD Week

 As the banner reads in the above photo, today starts CHD Awareness week.  I took the picture of the banner today as I was leaving PCMC.  It hangs on the parking structure.  It is very nice of PCMC to allow IHH to put the banner up each year.  From what I understand, it took a bit of work to get approval the first year it was hung.  Since then it has been fairly easy.  This year I made a phone call and the lady I contacted did the work for me. 

I also helped with the table IHH sets up on the third floor at PCMC (next to the Spider-Man statue for those who know of it).  Below is a picture of the table.  The sign in the picture now looks a little different.  It now has a few hearts and the IHH logo on it, which I think makes it look better.  In the time we (those of us from the IHH governing board) spent there, we were able to talk to several people about CHD's. 

I am glad I have been able to have a small role in spreading CHD Awareness, albeit a very small role.  There are some who do a whole lot more. 

For those who live in the Salt Lake area, and who need to eat dinner anyway, head over to the Chick-Fil-A in South Jordan between 5 and 7 p.m.  They are donating a portion of their profits during that time to IHH.  I will be there.  Come join me!