Eli's Heart

   This year's NDSC 2014 Annual Convention had a wide variety of vendors in the vendor hall.  We are going to feature some of the organizations which may be less familiar to many, but they are doing wonderful work, or creating wonderful items!  We won't be able to feature everyone, so you might want to go to the convention next year and check them all out for yourself.   It was inspirational to see so many passionate people following their dreams and blazing their way in the world!

     Eli's heart was started by Eli Craig's mom and dad after he had open heart surgery in 2012.  Seeing families in the hospital who had traveled to the Children's Hospital of  Philadelphia from all around the country, some of whom were there for months at a time, Eli's mom and dad decided they needed to do something to help alleviate some of the financial strain on these families by creating a foundation to help with the travel expenses associated with getting their children the surgery they need.  They ask people to donate frequent flyer miles, credit card reward points and (of course) cash is always accepted.  

     There were many vendors with dazzling signs and flashy displays designed to get your attention, but despite the simple red tablecloth, and Eli's heart banner hanging off the front of the table, there were many traffic jams at their table all day long.   Maybe it was because it was such a unique idea and there were so many people that thought it was a great thing to do.  Maybe it was many of the conference attendees had wished for some help when their child had surgery.  Or maybe, just maybe, it was the best pr tool in the Eli's Heart toolbox.....Eli. 

 He was running around and making people smile and laugh every time I went past!  

     Best of luck and keep up the great work Eli's Heart!