LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Families of patients at Norton Children’s Heart Institute connected this weekend. More than 20 families participated in a day of fun during the first "Brave Hearts Family Day" at Camp Hi-Ho in Louisville.

What You Need To Know

  • More than 20 families participated in a day of fun during the first "Brave Hearts Family Day" at Camp Hi-Ho in Louisville.

  • Families of patients at Norton Children’s Heart Institute were able to connect and share experiences with one another

  • Families could zipline, fish, kayak, tie-dye shirts and more

  • Brave Hearts is supported by the Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation and offered the event for free

It was a day of fun for the Bumpas family.

"I’m doing the zipline,” Jane Bumpas said.

Bumpas was prenatally diagnosed with tetralogy of Fallot and pulmonary atresia. She is only 9 years old and has already undergone three heart surgeries.

“It was really scary, really a tough time for our family,” said Sarah Bumpas, Jane’s mother.

When asked about her surgeries, Jane summed it up with one word: “fun."

Sarah said Jane had her first surgery six days after she was born. The second came about 10 months later, and the third was when she was 3 years old.

“Jane doesn't remember her heart surgery very well, but she knows that she's different and that she has this story," Sarah said. "She refers to Norton Children’s as her hospital. When we drive by, she’ll be like, ‘Oh, that's my hospital.'" 

Families spent time with each other Sunday, as 23 families with patients at Norton’s Children's Heart Institute got to share their experiences with one another while doing many outdoor activities at Camp Hi-Ho for free.

“It’s just an opportunity for everybody to come together and really just walk along this journey, find other people who have experienced some of the same things that they've experienced to be able to walk on their journeys together,” said Lena Iwu, Norton Children's Hospital Foundation development manager.

Whether it was on the slide or on the fort ladder, Jane got to spend time with her family and children like her.

“It’s nice for Jane because she doesn't do a lot of outside activities," Sarah said. "There's not a lot that fits her; she's real small for her age and struggles with her stamina. So it's nice to be here, where people are aware of her condition and with children like her."

As Jane continues to grow, she will undergo more surgeries.

Brave Hearts is supported by the Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation. Norton Children’s is encouraging all families with patients in Norton Children’s Heart Institute to join them at their next free event.

There are chapters in Louisville and Bowling Green.

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