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HEALTHY HEART CLUB FOR KIDS

As an infant, Brian Littrell was diagnosed with Ventricular Septal Defect, which is a small hole between the left and right ventricles of the heart.

Although the condition was not life threatening, physicians monitored Brian throughout his childhood. In 1980, as a 5 year old, Brian faced uncertainty when he was hospitalized at St. Joseph Hospital for treatment of a life-threatening infection of the heart, bacterial endocarditis.

Although physicians gave Brian a zero percent chance of living, Brian beat the odds and left St. Joseph Hospital serveral weeks later.

Brian went on to become a member of the internationally recognized musical group, Backstreet Boys. However, because of his hectic schedule and the rigors of touring, Brian experienced problems with his heart for a third time. Eighteen years after his battle with bacterial endocarditis, Brian faced openheart surgery to repair the hole in his heart.

Before his surgery, Brian and his family approached St. Joseph Hospital with a desire to establish a fund that would educate children regarding congenital heart problems and the effects of heart disease. In 1999, following successful open-heart surgery, Brian, St. Joseph Hospital, and the St. Joseph Hospital Foundation created the Brian Littrell Healthy Heart Club for Kids.

The Club consists of an eight week session held on Saturday mornings for children ages 8-12. The session is free, and club membership requires a physician's referral.

During Club sessions, members experience a variety of fun programs: learning and participating in various types of exercises ranging from basketball drills to dance routines, learning about nutrition, programs that promote increased awareness of self-esteem and body image, and activities that focus on an overall heart-healthy lifestyle.

Healthy Heart Club programs have been developed by a team of health care professionals that includes physicians, nurses, physical therapists, school psychologists, nutritionists, and others.

Funding for the Brian Littrell Healthy Heart Club for Kids comes from several sources, including Brian and Leighanne Littrell, a portion of ticket sales from Backstreet Boys concerts, the sale of official club merchandise through the Brian Littrell Healthy Heart Club for Kids web site (www.healthyheartclub.org), and direct contributions from the public.

Info: 859-313-2055 or by email at edgingbr@sjhlex.org.