The local chapter of the American Heart Association held the “2010 Roanoke Heart Ball” on May 1 – one of the organizations’ biggest fundraisers each year. The black tie event attracted a crowd of over 400, who came to support the effort, as well as enjoy the Hollywood-themed evening, complete with the movie-star vehicles, Ecto-1 and Herbie the Love Bug on display, as well as see performances by movie-star impersonators.
The focal point of the evening was the “survivors,” who came to share their stories in order to help raise funding for the intricate surgeries and research that will help to save more lives in the future. Pictured is the youngest survivor at the “ball,” Aiden Crouch, 15 months, along with his mom Tara, dad Randy, and one of his sisters. Aiden was diagnosed with a very serious and complex heart defect before he was even born, and had to have life-saving open heart surgery at a week old. Aiden’s mom was upbeat as she shared his story with the group; his dad choked up, telling the audience all they needed to know: “Aiden is the hero – my hero.”