Alyssa's Hike for the Heart

Alyssa's Story

September 12,2002, is a date that will be forever burned into our hearts. It is the day that our oldest daughter Alyssa passed away - very suddenly and unexpectedly, from what we later found out to be Viral Myocarditis.

Alyssa performing at ballet recital Alyssa was a very vibrant fun loving little girl. She excelled in her studies at school and had more friends than I can count. She was involved in her Pioneer girl group at church, and sang in the Chapel's Kid's choir X4J. She also took ballet classes and danced in many performances. She was quite the little entrepreneur too. She had her own little "nail painting" business where she would do the neighbors nails for $1.00. She was so loved by her brother and her family members. Alyssa was so Healthy, Happy and so full of life.

Alyssa with brother Stevie Alyssa became ill with what we thought was the flu and was only really ill for 2 days. She went to the hospital after a doctor visit for IV fluids and she passed away only an hour later. It took several weeks for the Doctors to figure out what had happened. We later found out that there was nothing we could have done; her heart was too damaged from what they had determined to be Viral Myocarditis.

Alyssa with Daddy at the aquarium There is nothing in the world that can prepare you for something like that-and that is why we want to do something. Something that will help other families .We are starting "The First Annual Hike for the Hearts"-in Alyssa's honor, and in honor of other families that have lost their beloved children and family members to this devastating disease.

Alyssa sepia tone It is very important to us that we not only keep her memory alive, but also do our part in preventing others from going through this. In 2005 we raised money to support the Research of Dr. Jeffrey Towbin of Texas' Baylor University Hospital. Dr. Towbin is a part of the leading research team in the field of sudden cardiac death and Viral Myocarditis in children. The funds from this year's event will be directed locally towards research for Viral Myocarditis at Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital with Drs. Boyle and Arruda. The hospital has already begun preliminary research on how to define the early symptoms of Viral Myocarditis that patients may have when they go to emergency rooms. This study will pinpoint which signs and symptoms should elicit further testing (X-rays, ECG's and lab tests) so that an early diagnosis of myocarditis can be made. The Children's Hospital plans to partner with other area hospital for this study as well, which will help raise physician awareness to the warning signs of myocarditis. We are so excited to be involved with this because it complements what Dr. Towbin is doing so well!

Alyssa - ice cream cone The second part of our purpose is to raise money to help children go to camp who normally would not be able to go. This is where our name came from "Hike for the Hearts". The first "heart" is the physical heart that needs attention and doctors; the second "heart" is the emotional one that needs attention and direction. We want to help both hearts, and that would make Alyssa happy. We have a "campership" fund set up in her Honor at The Chapel in Akron, Ohio. This fund was established right after Alyssa's death because of her involvement in her church and her love for her friends. The fund pays for children to attend Camp Carl in Ravenna, Ohio who otherwise would not have the opportunity.

How You Can Help

Alyssa thumbs up You can help by registering yourself or your family for our Hike that will take place September 19, 2009 at Goodyear Metropolitan Park in Goodyear Heights.

We are asking participants to gather sponsors for their 1.8-mile hike through the park. We will have many prizes, give-aways, food and fun for the whole family.

100% of all net proceeds will go to The Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital Viral Myocarditis research and "The Alyssa Ann Calaway Campership fund" at the Chapel, in Akron respectively.

Individuals may also make a direct donation

Corporations and Businesses can also help by becoming Sponsors for "Alyssa's Hike for the Hearts", and there are many opportunities - Please contact us for more information.

We thank you for your support and look forward to seeing everyone on September 19, 2009!

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	Alyssa's Story September 12,2002, is a date that will be forever burned into our hearts. It is the day that our oldest daughter Alyssa passed away - very suddenly and unexpectedly, from what we later found out to be Viral Myocarditis. Alyssa was a very vibrant fun loving little girl. She excelled in her studies at school and had more friends than I can count. She was involved in her Pioneer girl group at church, and sang in the Chapel's Kid's choir X4J. She also took ballet classes and danced in many performances. She was quite the little entrepreneur too. She had her own little "nail painting" business where she would do the neighbors nails for $1.00. She was so loved by her brother and her family members. Alyssa was so Healthy, Happy and so full of life. Alyssa became ill with what we thought was the flu and was only really ill for 2 days. She went to the hospital after a doctor visit for IV fluids and she passed away only an hour later. It took several weeks for the Doctors to figure out what had happened. We later found out that there was nothing we could have done; her heart was too damaged from what they had determined to be Viral Myocarditis. There is nothing in the world that can prepare you for something like that-and that is why we want to do something. Something that will help other families .We are starting "The First Annual Hike for the Hearts"-in Alyssa's honor, and in honor of other families that have lost their beloved children and family members to this devastating disease. It is very important to us that we not only keep her memory alive, but also do our part in preventing others from going through this. In 2005 we raised money to support the Research of Dr. Jeffrey Towbin of Texas' Baylor University Hospital. Dr. Towbin is a part of the leading research team in the field of sudden cardiac death and Viral Myocarditis in children. The funds from this year's event will be directed locally towards research for Viral Myocarditis at Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital with Drs. Boyle and Arruda. The hospital has already begun preliminary research on how to define the early symptoms of Viral Myocarditis that patients may have when they go to emergency rooms. This study will pinpoint which signs and symptoms should elicit further testing (X-rays, ECG's and lab tests) so that an early diagnosis of myocarditis can be made. The Children's Hospital plans to partner with other area hospital for this study as well, which will help raise physician awareness to the warning signs of myocarditis. We are so excited to be involved with this because it complements what Dr. Towbin is doing so well! The second part of our purpose is to raise money to help children go to camp who normally would not be able to go. This is where our name came from "Hike for the Hearts". The first "heart" is the physical heart that needs attention and doctors; the second "heart" is the emotional one that needs attention and direction. We want to help both hearts, and that would make Alyssa happy. We have a "campership" fund set up in her Honor at The Chapel in Akron, Ohio. This fund was established right after Alyssa's death because of her involvement in her church and her love for her friends. The fund pays for children to attend Camp Carl in Ravenna, Ohio who otherwise would not have the opportunity. How You Can Help You can help by registering yourself or your family for our Hike that will take place September 19, 2009 at Goodyear Metropolitan Park in Goodyear Heights. We are asking participants to gather sponsors for their 1.8-mile hike through the park. We will have many prizes, give-aways, food and fun for the whole family. 100% of all net proceeds will go to The Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital Viral Myocarditis research and "The Alyssa Ann Calaway Campership fund" at the Chapel, in Akron respectively. Individuals may also make a direct donation Corporations and Businesses can also help by becoming Sponsors for "Alyssa's Hike for the Hearts", and there are many opportunities - Please contact us for more information. We thank you for your support and look forward to seeing everyone on September 19, 2009!