Fundraiser for Kids with Serious Heart Defects Tonight in Devon

Philly and fun will be theme at Hilltop House in Devon Thursday from 4-7p.m. as the Children's Heart Foundation holds a fundraiser to help support research on congenital heart heart defects.

A press release from the Foundation promises "activities include jumping in a bounce house, face-painting, visiting with the Philly Zoo on Wheels, playing lacrosse with Brett Manney of the Philadelphia Wings, arts and crafts, and much more. The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia bands Baby Blues Sound Collective and Osler Circle will supply the live music."

In addition, two bicyclists who are riding cross country to raise money for the cause will be among the honored guests. According to the group "Nels Matson, a 28 year old heart defect survivor (PAPVR), and Nick Busta, whose wife Jeni has HLHS, are riding across the country to raise money for congenital heart defect research. In each major city on his route, Nels and his team ride in honor or memory of local children with congenital heart defects. For some local families, Jeni Busta will be the first adult complex heart defect survivor they have met."

The pair are riding in honor of young local heart patients Aaron Austin and Lily McManus.  Aaron's mother Erica says "Aaron was born in 2008 with several complex heart defects and had open heart surgery at 23 days old, 5 months old and 2 years old. We are very lucky that each surgery has gone well so far, but we also know that he has a lifetime of additional surgeries and procedures ahead of him. He is a happy little boy who loves stars, his two dogs, music, books, and hugs. His long-term prognosis is unknown, but with all of the research being done on heart defects we have hope that Aaron will lead a long and happy life."

Lily's mother, Laura McManus says Lilly was born in January 2010 and her young life puts the need for fundraisers in perspective. Her mom says Lily "was born on January 4, 2010 with Transposition of the Great Arteries. She underwent open-heart surgery to save her life at just one week old. Lily is 18 months old now and doing beautifully. Some of her favorite things include spending time with family and friends, tumbling at Gymboree, singing playing on the beach, and reading her books. Her surgery and life were made possible because of the kind of research The Children's Heart Foundation supports. We are eternally grateful for our angel."

Tickets are: $15 ages 13 and over; $10 ages 3-12; Free under 3. Food and activities are included in the price. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time at http://childrensheartfoundation.org/node/336 or at the door.