Kimberly South & daughter Kendall Elyse (Palmetto Hearts Reunion, Charleston 2011)

I am so excited to be part of such a wonderful family with Palmetto Hearts. I've been involved with Palmetto Hearts since my daughter, Kendall, was born in 2008. Though undetected for about a month, she was born with an open PDA (which saved her life!), Interrupted Aortic Arch and an AP Window. We spent a few weeks at MUSC in August 2008, and are blessed with a miracle.

For a long time, I've felt something pulling on my own heart and when Sara asked me to serve on the board and more recently as the Executive Director for Palmetto Hearts, I knew this was the path for me. Although I have a full-time job at the University of South Carolina (and being a mom too!), I am committed to continue making Palmetto Hearts as a group that serves our Community, provides Hope and Information and generates an overall Positive Impact on the lives we come in contact with us.

Sara has paved the Palmetto Hearts journey with love and her own heart-felt compassion. I am honored to follow her footsteps.

We have a lot to look forward to! I can't wait to get to know each of you as we get started in 2012.

Heart Hugs,
Kimberly

Learn more about our heart journey and our family:
http://amomsheart2heart.blogspot.com

As you may already know, 1 in 100 children are born with Congenital Heart Defects. For many of you, you are part of that 1. From now until February 2013, we are starting our "Hundred Hearts" campaign. We encourage you or your family and friends to donate at least $10 per month for a year in honor of a special heart. This is a great time to get friends or families involved who always ask you "What can I do to help?". Tell them to be a part of our Hundred Hearts campaign and honor or remember your special heart.

From our website, click on Donate Now and choose Recurring Donation.

February is a special month for all of our heart families across the country as we celebrate our special hearts! Also, save the date for Saturday, May 19, 2012 for our annual CHD Conference, to be held in Columbia. We'll have more information and registration details very soon!

During the week of Feb. 7 - 14, we want to share several of our stories! If you are interested in being one of our featured bloggers during that week, please contact Kimberly by February 10, 2012. We're also planning other activities. Stay tuned for more information!

If you live in the Upstate and want to take part in a special event benefiting Pediatric Cardiology and the Children's Hospital of Greenville Hospital System, consider the Arts for Hearts Event:

• SLAM! Arts for Hearts
• Wednesday, February 8
• 6-9pm - open to the public
• The Lazy Goat

Presented by TOWN Magazine, Greenville Journal, The Lazy Goat, CB Event, benefiting Pediatric Cardiology of the Children's Hospital of GHS.

 

Grab your running shoes!  It's the event we have talked about for several years, the first official Palmetto Hearts 5K Run & Walk sponsored by the Spartanburg Running Club!! We hope you'll mark your calendars for April 14, 2012 and join us at Duncan Park in Spartanburg, SC to celebrate our special hearts.  If you would like to purchase a limited edition shirt ($20) or race sign honoring your special heart ($25), please email Tina . Registration is now open, add yourself (or team) through our race site. More information will be coming over the next couple of months so be sure to check our website often for updates! More information will be coming over the next couple of months so be sure to check  often for updates!

Would you like your family's CHD journey to be featured on our site?  Please send your story along with a hospital and current photo of your child. All of our families are encouraged to share their stories! 

For February's newsletter, we'd like to begin sharing our heart birthdays and any upcoming surgeries. Please email Kimberly for your child's birthday and/or surgery that you would like to share.

We also have a new way to connect through blogging!  If you would like to have your blog linked on our site, or would like to participate in sharing your journey, please email Kimberly.