Massey Services sponsors American Heart Association knit-in

ORLANDO, Fla. – Each year, 40,000 babies in the United States are born with a congenital heart defect. To raise awareness for these babies, Massey Services sponsored a “knit-in” event for the American Heart Association Dec. 6 at Florida Hospital.

The knit-in event kicked off the “Little Hats, Big Hearts” program, which is the American Heart Association’s campaign to raise awareness for heart disease and congenital heart defects.

“This is the most common form of congenital defect and it has become more treatable over the past 20 years,” said Dr. Frank Pigula, director of congenital cardiac surgery at Florida Hospital for Children. “It’s important to raise awareness and educate people on the tremendous progress we’ve made, and that’s why we support the American Heart Association.”

The American Heart Association hopes to collect more than 3,000 knitted and crocheted red hats, so every baby born in central Florida can take one home during American Heart Month in February. The program is sponsored locally by Massey Services.

“We are honored to partner with the American Heart Association to bring awareness to such an important initiative that will benefit our community,” said Andrea Massey-Farrell, senior vice president of community relations for Massey Services. “We are grateful to so many of our community members who donated their time and energy to ensure that ‘Little Hats, Big Hearts’ is a successful campaign.”

Dedicated volunteers from across central Florida came together at Florida Hospital’s Creation Park Lawn to knit and crochet red hats for the babies. The event also featured live music and remarks from leaders of supporting organizations.

The “Little Hats, Big Hearts” program will collect red baby caps through January. Donations can be dropped off at the following locations:

• American Heart Association of Greater Orlando Office

• Massey Services Orlando Headquarters

• Florida Hospital campuses throughout central Florida

For more information and to learn how to help with the campaign, click here.