News : Jumping Rope for Heart: Vinton girl's classmates at Central Lutheran helping AHA

Owen Krug and mom Rhonda, and Olivia Spencer and mom Kendra, with Megan Dodd of the AHA.

Olivia Spencer of Vinton and Owen Krug of Atkins were introduced to the Central Lutheran School student body as Heart Heroes as the school began its month-long Jump Rope for Heart campaign.

Both Olivia and Owen were born with heart defects and have already had heart surgery and face an uncertain future regarding their hearts as they grow.

Olivia’s mom, Kendra, and Owen’s mom, Rhonda, each shared some of Olivia’s and Owen’s history of hospitalization and open heart surgeries. Both children will face more medical visits and surgeries as they continue to grow. Olivia as was born with half of her heart missing; Owen was diagnosed with a murmur indicating a leaking valve. Olivia has had three open heart surgeries, the first five days after she was born. Owen underwent the Ross Procedure, replacing a valve with tissue from a tissue bank, at age 4.

Central Lutheran Students will be raising money for the American Heart Association throughout February (Heart Month). They will be accepting pledges and donations throughout February, and jumping rope during the last week of the month.

Megan Dodd of the AHA office in Hiawatha led the program on Monday morning, sharing slides with information about heart health, as well as photos of Olivia and Owen as they went through their hospital experiences.

Vinton residents who want to help are encouraged to contact Kendra Spencer at KLM479@gmail.com

See more photos of Monday's opening ceremony HERE.