JUNE 2012

Jamesons Army is a non-prot organization started by Danielle and Patrik McKain in 2012 to raise awareness and funding for children and families affected by congenital heart disease (CHD). During a routine ultrasound appointment while the McKains were pregnant, it was discovered that their unborn son, Jameson, would be born without the left side of his heart. Since his birth in September 2010, Jameson has gone through extensive medical treatment including four open heart surgeries and a heart transplant. During this trying time for Danielle, Patrik and their oldest son, Colin, the family has received an outpouring of support which formed an army, later creating, Jamesons Army (JA).

patients from their ofce to YCP. Danielle and Tiffany both discussed what Jamesons Army is and if they have any children who come to the ofce with CHD, it was assured that they can reach out to our organization for help and support. On May 5th a book drive took place. Team member, Melissa Mitri, was at the Frank Sarris Public Library in Canonsburg, collecting new and gently used books, DVDs and puzzles to benet local childrens literacy programs, womens shelters, daycares and other programs in need. She distributed these items to Rainbows End Learning Center in Washington, PA. Some went to the Focus on Renewal Programs in McKees Rocks and lastly a donation went to Kaleidoscope. Kaleidoscope is the drop off center for donations for Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern PA. Our donation will be distributed to shelters and organizations helping women and children in Washington, Green and Fayette counties. During Pittsburghs Marathon held on May 6th, there were participants wearing bibs in honor of Jamesons Army and there were even nurses from Childrens Hospital of Pittsburgh supporting the event, wearing their Jameson Army t-shirts. Nurses week ran May 7th to 12th and Jamesons Army was supporting nurses at Childrens Hospital. Throughout the course of the week, several team members sent bags of coffee and mixers down to the nurses of the CICU as well as 8A (CICU step down). Lunch was also bought to the nurses on site at YCP and Pediatric Alliance.

IN THIS ISSUE:
April 27th Kick-O May 5 Book Drive Nurses Week (May 7th-12th) May 19th Zumba May 21st CHP Drop-o May 23rd Pillow Drop-o Miracles for Molly Upcoming Events
Over the past several months a Board of Directors was created and the team decided to have a kick-off to the organization. It was held on April 27th, at the LeMont in Pittsburgh, PA. Some of the highlights included a silent auction, rafes and a DJ. Randy Bauman from radio station WDVE also made an appearance as a guest speaker. This event is only the beginning of Jamesons Army raising awareness. Please mark your calendars for our next years annual event at the LeMont on April 26, 2013. During the month of May, Jamesons Army was busy with a wide array of activities. On May 4th, Board Directors, Danielle McKain and Tiffany Scott, went with Jameson to Pediatric Alliance in Peters Township and to the Chartiers location. Pediatric Alliance was one of the sponsors to the kick off party at the LeMont. It was at both locations that they presented information on Your Childs Place (YCP) and Jamesons Army. Tiffany went over how YCP is benecial to children with health needs and why doctors should refer

It was on Mothers Day, May 13th, when The Susan G. Komen walk / Race for the Cure took place in Pittsburgh. Jamesons Army was there supporting women who have battled the disease and who are currently ghting it. In addition, a Champaign Toast was created to honor those individuals.
On May 19th a free Zumba class took place in Canonsburg during the celebration for Hot Diggity Dog Days in honor of what would

have been Perry Comos 100th birthday. Team member, Kate Speer, owner of Studio Fit, sponsored the event. She instructed the Zumba class while President/Co-Founder of JA, Danielle, and her son, Jameson, were handing out water and distributing JA brochures to help spread CHD awareness. Kate is proud to announce that she has been able to raise over $5,000 for JA instructing aerobic classes held out of Studio Fit. Kate reports that the Zumbathon will take place again next year at the festival held downtown Canonsburg. There was a drop off to the Heart Center on May 21st where Jamesons Army delivered beverages, snacks and a Keurig machine for the CICU waiting room. Philly Pretzels were delivered to the CICU staff; and coffee, a toaster, and home care items for families such as water/juice boxes/etc. were also brought in. Last but not least, Captain Colin, was able to donate 5 of his books, entitled My Brother Needs an Operation, to the siblings at the Heart Center.

Hospital. Gift cards and cash donations will greatly be appreciated too if you do not have a Build-A-Bear store near you. Sunday, June 10th at 1:00pm there will be a party for this event at the Build-A-Bear in the South Hills Village Mall located off of Route 19. Everyone is encouraged to attend!

As you can see Jamesons Army is going strong! Looking ahead in the month of June there will be many more events to anticipate. Some of them include: -June 2 HOPE Golf Classic at Murrysville Golf Course -June 12 Lunch Meeting at Your Childs Place -June 18 Drop off to the CICU/8A -June 23 CHD walk in South Park at 9:00am. We encourage everyone to go to the CHD website: http://www. congenitalheartwalk.org/ and sign up for this event. -June 27 Danielle will be visiting the American Heart Association to talk about JA and how we participate in the heart walk. Please log onto the Jamesons Army webpage, www.JamesonsArmy.org, for updates on our amazing organization.

There was a pillow drop off on May 23rd. The pillows donated to Childrens Hospital are green heart shaped pillows with the JA logo used in a patients recovery process. As always, there was overwhelming joy brought on by the patients using these pillows along with staff members who were proud to have such a wonderful, comforting donation for their patients. Cough pillows are designed to comfort a patient after surgery by bracing their incision. Coughing is essential to keep the lungs clear and prevent pneumonia. Recently an event was created in honor of a 7- year old girl who passed away from Pulmonary Hypertension. In honor of her name, Molly Dunne, Miracles for Molly, will be held from May 21 to June 15. You can design and create your own gift at a local Build-A -Bear that will be donated to a child at Childrens