This story originally ran in the September 23, 2011, edition of the Weekly Record Herald.

By ALISHA MCDARRIS

Record Herald Writer

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TIPP CITY - Two local kids were recently surprised with the title of Heart Heroes by the American Heart Association (AHA). Evan and Anna Gilliam, 15- and 11-year old siblings, were both born with heart defects, a grand improbability, according to medical professionals. But despite the rarity of their familial conditions, both are thriving and well and honorary ambassadors for the AHA.

After encouragement from Anna’s gym teacher to participate in the AHA’s Hoops for Heart program as Heart Heroes, Evan and Anna filled out questionnaires and wrote essays ABOUT WHAT, along with other heart survivors from across the United States. They were surprised to find out they had been selected to represent kids with heart conditions from all over the country.

Hoops for Heart is a program similar to the more famous Jump for Heart program often implemented at elementary schools. Hoops for Heart allows high school students to take part in fundraising for AHA, too, but with basketball instead of jump rope.

Tipp City Schools does not yet take part in the Hoops for Heart fundraiser, but Evan and Anna’s mom, Emily Gilliam, hopes that will change. Because two of their students are highly involved, she wants this to be the first year that Tippecanoe hosts a basketball game where a percentage of the ticket sales go to AHA.

“These programs are so important to have,” Emily stated. “The most important thing is to find a cure and a reason why so many kids are born with heart defects.”

Emily would know the importance of uncovering the truth. Both her children had to undergo an atrioventricular canal repair: Evan after only nine months and Anna after two years. But even after all that they’ve been through, they’re kids just like any others.

“They’re normal kids. They lead pretty normal lives. They’re very social and good students,” Gilliam explained.

Evan loves basketball and baseball. He’s involved with his youth group at Ginghamsburg and, like any teenage boy, spends plenty of time with friends. The only drawback to his heart condition is that he had to give up football. But he has still kept a positive outlook.

“My heart condition hasn’t held me back,” Evan commented.

Anna keeps busy and active with cheerleading, gymnastics, and volleyball and doesn’t see herself as any different from anyone else – with the exception of a scar on her chest.

“They’re very active kids and enjoy life,” Emily said.

But as limitless as her children are, she admits there have been struggles. It was hard for Evan when he discovered he’d have to give up football, and Emily remembers how difficult it was hearing that her kids needed surgery. But that’s why she, Evan and Anna believe in the efforts of AHA and hope that Hoops for Heart will become a regular event at Tipp City Schools.

“I think it helps out a lot of kids; it’d be a great way for our city to be involved,” Evan encouraged.

Plus, Evan and Anna get a little taste of fame with their new positions as Ambassadors. Students across the nation who participates in either the Jump for Heart or Hoops for Heart program will get a thank you card with Evan and Anna’s photo and bio on it thanking them for their participation.

The Gilliam kids are taking their fame in stride and not letting it go to their heads.