Feature/General
Jarrett Harvey: Heart Hero
By Kasey Dillard
Sep/Oct 2008

In Athens, our 2008 Heart Walk hero might be small, but he is a big survivor. 2-year-old Jarrett Harvey of Winterville was diagnosed with hypoplastic right-heart syndrome before he was even born.
Jarrett’s parents, Jessiann and Joey, met with specialists, researched the disease and tried to learn everything that they could about the condition their newborn would face prior to his arrival. Jarrett had his first surgery at Egleston Hospital in Atlanta at only 6 days old, and then underwent another operation at 3 months old. This summer, Jarrett has faced yet another battle: undergoing surgery to repair his mitral valve.

If your child is born with a heart defect today, the chances are better than ever that the problem can be overcome and that a normal life will follow. Recent progress in diagnosis and surgery makes it possible to fix most defects, even those once thought to be hopeless. As heart surgery continues to advance, scientists will develop operations for other defects.

The American Heart Association (AHA) works hard to raise critical funds for all types of cardiovascular research and education, including childhood cardiac diseases. This fall, on October 2nd, the local chapter of the AHA will hold the Clarke/Oconee Heart Walk at Bishop Park. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with activities for adults and children alike. The Heart Walk is a non-competitive 5K that is intended to promote walking as part of a healthy lifestyle. There is no registration fee, but groups and companies are encouraged to form a team to help the AHA reach their fundraising goal for the event.
If you see Jarrett at home or outside playing, he is just like any normal little boy. He loves to play with his sister, Jaynie, or tell you about the chickens on their family farm. We are excited for everyone to meet Jarrett at the Heart Walk!

The AHA’s Start! Heart Walk is proudly supported by many local sponsors including the Start! cause partner, Athens Regional Medical Center. For more information about the Heart Walk and how to form a team, please visit the website: www.clarkeoconeeheartwalk.kintera.org or call the local chapter of the AHA at 770-612-6050.

Kasey Dillard is the Regional Director of the American Heart Association, Athens, GA.