The nonprofit Patrons of the Hearts was founded after a First Coast couple came back from a medical mission trip to Kenya back in 2005.
It was an eye-opening experience into the lack of access many of the world’s children suffer when it comes to medical care.
Jacksonville physician Dr. Jose Ettedgui decided that rather than taking pediatric cardiology to the world’s kids his family would bring the world’s kids to Jacksonville.
Now, thanks to a partnership with Wolfson Children’s Hospital and the UF Health Pediatric Cardiovascular Center in Jacksonville, Ettedgui's brainchild provides world-class cardiology care for children from developing countries.
A special event is coming up in Jacksonville tomorrow night to help children with congenital heart disease called Artscapade 2013.
"It's a country-themed event, with line dancing, live music and a lot of fun," said Hilda Ettedgui, co-founder of Patrons of the Hearts.
The Ettedguis are also in the process of adopting Rute, a six-year-old girl from Ethiopia who had two heart surgeries here in 2008.
You can support the cause by checking out "This is Patrons Country," Friday, Oct. 18, 7-11 p.m. at The Museum (4160 Boulevard Center Drive, Jacksonville).
You can get more info the event and Patrons of the Hearts on their Facebook page.
You can follow Melissa on Twitter @MelissainJax.
