We would like to acknowledge and express our deep gratitude to a small group of ladies from the United Methodist church, Lake Oswego, Oregon, who meet each Wednesday and devote their day to making dolls and hearts from linen material donated within their community.

Their fabulous work in their free time results in their gifts reaching several parts of the world, and include regular donations to cancer patients and children with long-term disabilities, including the heart patients assisted by CardioStart International on its missions.

These wonderful gestures of love have multiple effects on the children and adults we operate on and serve to: 1] provide emotional comfort for the children; 2] assist with coughing and recovery of normal breathing after heart surgery; and 3] keep as a reminder of their safe passage through the operation.

Thank you for your great work and support ladies!