Story by Jessica Bostick, Staff writer
The Tymeless Hearts Society will host their annual carnival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29. at Chestnut Park.
All proceeds will go toward supporting families with children suffering from congenital heart defect (CHD) and research.
After the loss of her 1-month-old son, Ethan Brockwell, to a congenital heart defect, Beth Brown, Tymeless Hearts Murray chapter founder, felt compelled to help other families.
“I know that God took Ethan so that he would not suffer any more,” Brown said.
Ethan was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, in which the heart is not fully formed before birth.
According to the Children’s Heart Foundation, congenital heart defects are the world’s no. 1 birth defect.
Nearly one of every 100 babies is born with a CHD.
The cost for surgical treatment exceeds $2.2 billion a year worldwide.
After realizing how costly and difficult having a child with a heart defect is, Brown felt compelled to do something to help other families dealing with the same struggles she did.
Tymeless Hearts is a non-profit organization that provides many services to families that have a child like Ethan.
These services include online and local support groups, 24/7 support hot lines, financial assistance, care packages, donations to research and many other services meant to help people dealing with emotional and financial strain.
There is currently no known cure for congenital heart defect and little is known about what causes it.
The carnival will feature many attractions including AirEvac Lifeteam, inflatable bouncers, an auction, a petting zoo, pony rides, live entertainment and health checks.
Kids can also pose for pictures with Anna and Elsa from Disney’s “Frozen” and characters from “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.”
Door prizes will also be given away throughout the carnival.
“We hope to raise awareness in the community about congenital heart defects in children,” Brown said. “God took Ethan so that I could help families of children with heart defects.”
Additional help can be given to Tymeless Hearts through donations of money or time.
Tymeless Hearts also hosts a pageant that will take place on Oct. 17 this year, which also goes to benefit children and families dealing with congenital heart defects, as well as a 5K that the organizations hosts in the spring.
Tymeless Hearts’ Facebook page is an easy way to keep up with other events occurring throughout the year.
“Life on Earth is short so enjoy it while it lasts, and do what you can to help others,” Brown said. “Heaven is right around the corner, and I am enjoying my time here, but I do look forward to the day I get to go to heaven and be with Ethan.”