The ICHF exports to developing countries the skills, technology and knowledge to treat and cure children with congenital heart diseases.

At Summit View, The Independence school’s last day before winter vacation was declared Polar Express Day. Students donated $1 to and wore pajamas to school. The income from Polar Express Day was given to the ICHF.

“The donation will not only help getting surgery, but it helps with buying supplies and equipment the hospital might need.” ICHF volunteer Lindsey Clark explained that “It costs about $2,500 per kid for surgery.”

The foundation’s goal is to teach local surgeons how to perform heart procedures on their own, said Taylor Grooms, ICHF volunteer. Grooms and Clark have recently gone to the Ukraine with the ICHF and expect to travel to the Dominican Republic in early 2011.