Spreading Love through Heart Disease Awareness

By Kirsten McIntyre, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- On Valentine's Day, there are some Oklahoma children who know all too well the matters of the heart because they were born with heart defects.

But this Valentine's Day at OU Medical Center, instead of being treated by doctors, they were treated by other young and giving hearts.

"Most of them have had significant heart disease and they've gone through various procedures to correct their heart," Pediatric Cardiologist Kumar Ponniah said.

The Valentine's Day party was to celebrate their hearts and their lives through face painting, furry friends, and prizes.

J. Marcom and Tia Williams gave away their stuffed animals to the children with congenital heart disease.

"I really just thought of it last year because I really didn't need any toys," J. Marcom said.

Last year, instead of getting toys for her birthday, J. asked her friends to give her stuffed animals so she could give them away. She did it again this year, and even got her friend, Tia, to join her on the mission to make a difference.

"It just makes me feel happy knowing that you can give something to someone else instead of getting it yourself. To see their smiles, how happy they are picking out their stuffed animals, it's just a good feeling," Tia Williams said.

The party also celebrated congenital heart disease awareness. It was hosted by OU Children's Physicians Cardiology and Lifeline, a support group for families of children with all forms of heart disease.