Luke Sigmon experienced major health problems at an early age.  He was born on December 3, 2008 and went home shortly thereafter a happy and healthy boy.  However, less than eight days later he was brought back to the emergency room with a temperature of ninety-five degrees.  After numerous tests, it was determined Luke had multiple congenital heart defects related to a condition known as 22q Deletion Syndrome.  Luke had his first surgery on December 16, 2008 and a second surgery was done in February of 2009.  Although Luke continued to make progress, in August of 2009 during a routine follow up appointment, he experienced another cardiac event and a heart transplant was recommended for Luke as the best option for his health.  He was placed on the heart transplant list in September, and on Halloween 2009 Luke received his heart.

Plenty of people in the community raised funds for Luke and we would like the opportunity to return the favor.  We started Hearts and Hope Foundation, Inc., along with other members of the community who saw the need for a foundation geared to giving back to people in our community going through tough times.

Due to several illnesses in our community, our board of directors has agreed to an annual fund raiser with the proceeds providing financial support to children and young adults affected by cancer and heart defects.  Proceeds from tournament/fundraising challenge will provide financial assistance to a couple of families.  The first is the daughter, currently battling cancer, of a 34+ year employee of the University of North Carolina football department. He is the consistent and quiet leader to many of the former players and Tarheel football family.  Additionally, Kilby Davis, a 15 year old at St. Stephens, was diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Danon Disease, a very rare genetic disease, which required her to have an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator placed in her chest and list for a Heart Transplant at Levine’s Children Hospital.  In order to generate revenue, we decided to host an annual golf tournament/fund raiser challenge.  The challenge will consist of 60 two-man teams of former athletes, students, alumni, supporters and fans from the University of North Carolina (RAMS) and all of the other ACC schools (RIVALS).  In addition to the direct competition on the golf course, these teams will be competing to see which supporters can raise the most money for this wonderful cause.  There will be a winner and a loser in this competition, with the overall winner being this outstanding young lady, her family and the Hearts and Hope Foundation.

We would sincerely appreciate the opportunity to continue this conversation.  You can reach us through the contact form, by calling me at 704.483.3415 or by emailing us at heartsandhopefdn@gmail.com.  I will get your message immediately.