Kids Day donations could save lives

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Thousands of volunteers are gearing up for Valley Children's Hospital biggest fundraiser of the year-- the 29th annual Kids Day. Every donation could help save a child's life.

Eli Wedehase is a part time rock star-- full-time fighter. "Eli was born with a heart defect called hyperplastic left heart syndrome," said Tanya Wedehase, Eli's mother.

Eli turned 7 last week and has already gone through 3 major heart surgeries at Valley Children's Hospital. "His attitude is what's got him through this surgery," said Dr. Carl Owada, Pediatric Cardiology.

"Out of the blue he walks up to Tanya and says I'm ready for my next surgery because I want to be stronger," said Jason Wedehase, Eli's father.

Eli is one of the cardiac patients in the Pediatric ICU at Valley Children's. A hospital that costs $1 million-per-day to operate. The non-profit hospital's biggest fundraiser of the year is Tuesday, March 8th-- the 29th annual Kids Day. By buying a special edition Kids Day newspaper for a dollar or donating to one of 6,000 Kids Day volunteers, you can help Valley Childrens make miracles.

Eli's parents Jason and Tanya said the staff are part of that miracle. "It definitely takes something special to be able to care for these kids, like-- that it's more than medical knowledge," said Jason.

The road to recovery is a long one for Eli. His heart condition means he'll be monitored for the rest of his life. "Getting him strong enough that he can breathe on his own, walk on his own, but ultimately, he will require more surgery," said Dr. Owada.

You can also help kids like Eli with just a text. Text the word "kidsday" to 41444 to select a donation amount and make your gift to Valley Children's Hospital.