Aurora Academy Students Jump Rope to Raise Money for the American Heart Association

February has been crowned "American Heart Month" since 1963, long before even some of the parents of Aurora Academy students were born. Still, 47 years later, cardiovascular diseases and stroke are the No. 1 killers of people in America. The American Heart Association has worked since 1924 to sponsor activities to raise money and awareness of heart health.

This February, 1^st through 5^th grade Aurora Academy students participated in Jump Rope for Heart. Jump Rope for Heart is an official fundraising event, sponsored by the American Heart Association that teaches kids about the importance of heart health by introducing them to heart anatomy, giving them information about heart diseases and conditions, and nurturing heart-healthy habits. More importantly, kids learn that heart conditions are not just adult problems. Many children also deal with heart problems every day. Jump Rope for Heart helps kids think more critically about heart health and offers an opportunity for them to become advocates in a fun way.

Coach Jon Hovan informed kids about their hearts and then shared jump techniques. He explained the single and double bounce, forward and backward jumping, and double-dutch. Then over 298 kids really got moving! Some participants chose to raise money for the American Heart Association by asking friends and relatives to sponsor them. Altogether, Aurora Academy students raised over $1,200 (with donations still rolling in) for research and advocacy efforts through the Jump Rope for Heart Program.

"I chose Jump Rope for Heart because it is a great cause," Coach Hovan explained. "It teaches kids to get active, teaches them about their hearts, and helps them create a positive attitude about jumping."

When asked why they participated, many 3^rd and 4^th graders responded with enthusiasm.

Damian Martinez, who loves to double-dutch and is part of the school's double-dutch club, loves to jump rope because it is such good exercise. "Double-dutch," he says, "is more challenging and complicated."

"I participated to work on my jumping. I'm getting much better now that I've practiced and I feel healthier," said William Moore. Corey Schouten piped up. "I participated because kids need healthy hearts. Why not do it? It's fun!"

Courtney Francoeur, the event's top fundraiser said, "I felt that people needed help and that I could make a difference. I liked that we got to learn different moves and that we got to help other people."

Mireya Marquez described her reason for participating in the fundraiser by saying, "Even though there is nothing wrong with my family there might be something wrong with other people's families and I want to help."

Mikaeyla Washington agreed. "I really love to jump rope and I want to help people who have heart diseases. I would tell kids this is an awesome event and to participate."

"I did it because my stepsister, who is 6, has heart problems. She had 2 heart surgeries when she was a baby," 4^th grader Kassidy Rall smiled widely. "Now, you can't even tell she had heart problems."

"Jump Rope for Heart is a very fun, very great exercise and I really liked it," said Tyler Ker. "It helps people with heart problems. In fact, my cousin, who is 9, is living with only half a heart. He is a great person. Just by jump-roping I feel it is a symbol to help people with heart problems and I wanted to jump for him."

Not only did Aurora Academy students exercise their jumping muscles this February, they showed how big their hearts are for others. The 2010 Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser was a success and is just one of many events highlighting the energy and achievements of Aurora Academy Charter Students as they celebrate the 10^th birthday of their school.

Sources

American Heart Association;

February is American Heart Month

Jump Rope for Heart

History of the American Heart Association

Aurora Academy Charter School, Aurora, Colorado