At 35 years old, Julie Stucki already has endured four open-heart surgeries. Born with a congenital heart defect, Stucki, an Evansville native, co-founded the Evansville chapter of Mended Little Hearts, an organization that supports, educates, and encourages families with children who have congenital heart defects. “While my parents were immensely supportive, I didn’t grow up having someone who knew exactly what I was going through,” Stucki says. Through this organization, her goal is give hope to those children affected, and to show them that leading a normal life is possible.
To end the 2013 national awareness campaign, Congenital Heart Defect Week, Mended Little Hearts of Evansville is hosting a family fun night at the Evansville IceMen game on Friday, Feb. 15 at 7:15 p.m. Tickets are on sale for $12 through the Evansville IceMen ticket office at 530 Main St., and the professional hockey team will donate a portion of ticket sales to Mended Little Hearts.
“We hope to raise awareness about congenital heart defects and heart disease in children,” says Amanda Elikofer, board of directors vice president for Mended Little Hearts, “and enjoy fellowship with our families.”
For more information on Mended Little Hearts of Evansville see our Guide.
