YORK, Maine — Every year, schools across the nation take part in fundraising for the American Heart Association's "Kids Heart Challenge," formerly known as "Jump Rope for Heart." Students raise money to help other children with heart defects, helping fund research and cover costs for families paying for hospital stays and operations.
It's a story one Coastal Ridge Elementary School fourth grader, Wesley Ethridge, knows all too well, which is why his teachers wanted him to tell the school why their fundraising efforts are so important during a school assembly.
"This was kind of special, so I could speak in front of the whole school and tell my story," he said.
Ten-year-old Wesley was born with a congenital heart condition and had his first heart surgery at just six days old. After multiple surgeries, his family learned he would need a heart transplant. Wesley waited three months for a donor.
"Many people helped me. Most of all, the child and family who gave me a chance at a healthy life," Wesley told his school.
His mother, Alicia Ethridge, said he has regular checkups at Boston Children's Hospital to monitor his heart.
"There is a lot asked of him and his physical body in terms of follow up labs, EKGs, ultrasounds," she said. "He has such a great attitude about it."
Coastal Ridge Elementary School PE teacher Rich Johnston practiced with Wesley for weeks, preparing his speech for the school assembly.
"Not only does he [Wesley] persevere and show bravery every day, but he's one of the smiliest, happiest, nicest people you will ever meet," Johnston said. "I know that he will keep this attitude his entire life."