Hundreds of former and current pediatric heart patients will gather at Rady Children's Hospital Saturday. They'll celebrate Valentine's Day with a special "Heart" party. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.
It's the 27th annual Heart party at Rady Children's Hospital. The event gives kids who've been through cardiac surgery a chance to celebrate with their families. Patients who still need surgery are invited, too.
Max Hammerstrom was born with a hole in his heart. He had open heart surgery at 14 months old. Today, he's a rambunctious 8-year-old.
His mom, Jerilyn, says they never miss the Heart party.
Jerilyn Hammerstrom: We like to go and be supportive, and be part of the network of other people who've experienced the same thing we have, or help those who are just going through it who are frightened, and need to know that's it's gonna be okay.
Heart surgeons will also be on hand to visit with their former patients.
Kenny Goldberg, KPBS News.
