American Heart Association Fundraiser

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. It’s a cause that’s close to th...  More »

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. It’s a cause that’s close to the parents of Blake Etter, a boy born with half a heart. It was a group effort put together by not just the Etter family, but also the South Mississippi community. Tonight, at Texas Roadhouse, the parents of Blake Etter, a three-year-old boy born with only half a heart, called hypoplastic left heart syndrome, also known as HLHS, put together a fundraiser for the American Heart Association. Ten percent of total food purchases at the restaurant are donated to the association in hopes of raising more awareness of heart disease. Blake’s undergone several medical procedures including two open heart surgeries. His mother, Rachel, tells News 25 every little bit is a big help."It funds the research to help the future developments for our kiddos and for heart disease, stroke, pretty much anything related to the heart. Thanks to continued research, more children with CHD are reaching adulthood and for the first time in history, there are more adults living with CHD than ever before. And if we didn't have this help, he may not be here so, that's why we count on people like you, to come out and help us." Rachel says Blake will likely have to undergo another open heart surgery in the next two years. The next fundraiser will be the American Heart Walk that takes place this Saturday, September 22nd in Jones Park starting at 7:30 a.m. with the walk beginning at 9. This year will be the Etter’s third year participating in this event.  « Less