Richard Rowell’s son, Nolan, had to undergo heart surgery at just three-weeks-old.
Doctors diagnosed Nolan with a heart defect while he was still in utero. Consequently, Rowell searched for a support group on Facebook and found Broken Hearts of Florida.
The organization, which hopes to educate the public about congenital heart diseases, held its annual May Day Picnic on Saturday afternoon at Lake Wauburg’s North Park. “Broken Hearts helped us beforehand because we knew nothing about this,” he said. “It really helps raise awareness.”
Caretakers spent time with the kids as they jumped down an inflatable waterslide, played in the lake and had their faces painted.
Karen Thurston started Broken Hearts of Florida when her son, William, was born with a heart defect and she needed a support group.
“I think what everyone enjoys the most about this event is to see care- givers outside the clinic setting,” said Thurston, who serves as the executive director for the organization.
Another patient, Bailey Abbott, 7, is in generally good health after one heart surgery and regular checkups.
Different parents at the hospital told her mother, Ashley Abbott, about the organization two years ago.
“The hardest part is seeing that they are so fragile and not knowing what the outcome is going to be,” she said. “Having the support from the organization is really what helps you.”
Follow Jessica on Twitter: @jesskorina
Email: jrodriguez@alligator.org
