This Random Acts of Heart post was written by me through an activation with HireInfluence on behalf of BIOLIFE4D. Although I received compensation for participating in the campaign, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Did you know that February is heart month?
We all know about hearts for Valentine’s Day, but today we’re talking about hearts for life and random acts of heart! As a former biology teacher with a husband who is a Biomedical Sciences Professor, it’s safe to say that we are a science family. So, I’m excited to talk a little biomedical science stuff with you today (thanks to Crystalfor the tag)! You have the opportunity to help further science research and help spread a little kindness at the same time!
It’s no secret what an important organ the heart is. You might not know though that heart disease is the leading cause of death (more than from all forms of cancers combined)! That’s a scary thought! With 1 in every 4 people affected by heart disease, I’m sure all of us know someone that has been impacted by heart related issues. But did you know that there are over 600,000 patients waiting & hoping for a heart transplant? We’re BIG advocates for organ donation too (and have made our wishes known about that should something happen to us. But sadly, there just aren’t enough organ donors to meet the need. Although there are over 600,000 people in need, only about 5,000 heart transplants are done each year. This is where BioLife4D comes in!
What is BioLife4D?
BioLife4D’s goal is to 3D print a viable human heart suitable for transplant!!! How incredible is that?! The goal of the technology is to help eliminate waiting for donor organs, eliminate challenges of organ rejection and increase the life span of more patient – giving more families time with their loved ones and a greater chance at surviving and thriving with a heart condition. Currently,BioLife4D is having an equity crowdfunding campaign in Feb, where the general public can purchase shares in the company and join their mission to save millions of lives.
Build A Heart Save A Life – BIOLIFE4D from BIOIFE4D on Vimeo.
We learned about a boy named Jack born with a congenital heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. His heart reconstruction process began at just 10 days old. But by age 11, Jack was in need of a heart transplant. After months of waiting, Jack received his heart and is now a thriving teenager. Unfortunately though, not all stories like this have a happy ending. So, he and his family are advocates for new medical technology like BioLife4D! So, we are hoping to help create awareness and help them raise necessary funds to support the research that will allow heart-patients more time with friends and family. You can help too in a simple way – send a card!
Send a #BL4DActsofHeart Card!
Sending a card as an “act of heart” is a great way for you to get involved in some random acts of kindness, while also helping to reach potential investors that would give life and longevity for BioLife to expand their research! The idea is SO simple – just write/make cards or letters and send them to the hospital to help brighten a patient’s day as part of the #BL4DActsofHeart campaign!! I decided to make a simple & cute card that can be sent to a patient of any age! 
Isn’t that cute?! You are certainly welcome to make (or buy) your own. But to keep it really easy for you, you can just download our free little sunshine heart card here:
Just print out the download (I recommend printing on card stock or brochure paper, set to a photo setting). Each printed sheet makes two cards. So once printed, just cut the pages in half & fold into cards.
Then, you can write a special message or have the kids draw a cute picture. We went with a simple message saying, “Sending sunshine and heartfelt wishes for strength & healing“. Once your cards are created, you can mail them to the following address:
Texas Children’s Hospital
ATTN: Volunteer Services
6621 Fannin Street, Suite A1125
Houston, TX 77030
If you’d like to get your friends and family involved, be sure to share on social using #BL4DActsofHeart. And to learn more about BioLife, but sure to follow along with them on social media:
Facebook|| Instagram|| Twitter
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