My name is Aaron . My wife, Jessica, and I have wanted to start a project that we would both enjoy doing together. Not that we aren’t already busy enough, by any means! Judging on how society has become so blinded to certain issues (as we also were blind until a certain point of our lives), we decided to do something that would make a difference.Our aim is to help open people’s eyes as to how “real†life can get without any warning! Our primary desire is to get individuals, young and older, to take better care of themselves and their loved ones. Staying fit and healthy means no drugs, limiting the use of alcohol, smoking and even prescribed medications. In short,anything that might adversely affect your health and well-being!Jessica had pneumonia when she was eleven years old, which caused her to have a heart condition called Cardio Myopathy Ventricular Arrhythmia. During most of her growing up years, she had to deal with hospital stays, surgeries, and feeling fatigued most of the time. She lived with fear, always frightened to do normal childhood activities like running and playing. Jessica was able to get through all these not so usual growing up pains and, for the most part, her heart condition remained stable.She had a great cardiologist, Dr. David Chan, at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, who told her, early on, that she would never be able to bear a child. The risk was far too great that she might not be able to survive the pregnancy. Jessica accepted this grim news, but in her heart of hearts, she knew that she would have a wonderful child one day!Years later, after Jess and I had been together for many years, her wish to become pregnant was granted. This was a trying period for all concerned because we all wanted to ensure her well being, and also that of the yet unborn baby. We knew the huge risks involved. At long last, Hannah was born, and three days later, a defibrillator was placed into Jessica’s chest! Of course, it was scary, but the additional stress on the heart was well worth it. Jessica and I are so grateful for our miracle, a beautiful, healthy little girl!On March 19, 2007, at Ohio State University’s Ross Heart Hospital, Jessica had a successful heart transplant. Her recovery went well and for the first time in a long,long time, she felt alive! She was finally able to take deep breaths, something she had struggled to do for so many years before. Finally, Jess knew what she had been missing out on for all those years! Most people rarely get a second chance at life and living. Our family is well aware of the tremendous opportunity we have been given, and we are most grateful!It’s not easy to always be on top of things to make sure that Jessica
continues to stay healthy. I think that, as you’re reading this, you can sense the tension. Ask yourself this question, “How far would I go to preserve my life?†Due to Jessica’s immune system being so low, she is not able to work, or be in places where there are high traffic areas of people. She gets sick frequently and still has to endure periodic hospital stays, which still aren’t too much fun. Her condition also prevents her from volunteering to work with children, who are handicapped with heart-related illnesses.So, in order for us to “pay back†in a small way, we thought of this idea, which enables us to make a little extra income, as we put our efforts, minds and hearts into it. We will be making regular, ongoing donations from every sale to the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Foundation. We are a young, struggling family, seeking to better our family's condition and continue to stay in good spirits, as we build “83hearts.com†into something we can be proud of!If you like what you see at our website, why not help by participating and purchasing some of our special T-shirts? You can also help by joining us to raise awareness for the continuing need for organ donations. Jessica would not be with us today, were it not for the heart, which has saved her life. This is our project, this is our dream. Won’t you join us and help us make it come true?[LOVEMYFLASH]
