Story by Peter Sblendorio

Video by Jen Olson

Five years ago, New Tech High sophomore Kaitlyn McClew was diagnosed with having holes in her heart, a condition that she was born with but never discover until her sixth grade year.

The diagnosis came as a surprise to McClew, who attended Coppell Middle School East at the time, and called for her to make several drastic changes in her life in preparation for heart surgery.

“I was diagnosed during my sixth grade year, and I had to stop running, dancing, playing soccer and doing all of the things [that I did],” McClew said.

Now five years removed from surgery, McClew is still making a conscious effort to raise awareness about the dangers of heart disease. For the past year and a half, she has worked the American Heart Association, speaking on the organization’s behalf at a number of public events, such as at Hurricane Harbor in Arlington and a Texas Rangers game.

McClew also spoke at the inaugural Hoops for Heart fundraiser at Coppell High School last February, and she will again this Feb. 1.

Hoops for Heart is a charity event held by the Coppell Cowboys and Cowgirls basketball teams in which they donate all proceeds from one game to the American Heart Association. The fundraiser was a booming success in 2010, as the CHS boys and girls basketball teams combined to raise more than $1000 in their Feb. 9 game against the Marcus Marauders.

This year, the Coppell basketball booster clubs have set the goal even higher, as they hope to double or even triple last year’s proceeds at the 2011 Hoops for Heart game against Justin Northwest on Feb. 1. In addition to raising money, the teams hope that the fundraiser will bring publicity to the American Heart Association.

“Our purpose is to raise awareness for the American Heart Association with the fundraiser,” Cowgirls coach Jerry Hoffman said. “Quite a few students at Coppell have had heart problems, and we are trying to raise money for the American Heart Association to help other people with [heart problems].”

In addition to all ticket and concession sales going to the American Heart Association, shirts will be sold at the three school lunches on Jan. 27, 28 and 31 leading up to the game. Raffle tickets will also be sold in order to increase funds, with last year’s prize list including Dallas Mavericks tickets, hotel packages and Dallas Stars tickets among other items.

Hoops for Heart has not only been a success in financial regards in its brief history at CHS, however. The players enjoyed being able to raise money for a significant cause by playing basketball and bringing the community together to witness the American Heart Association’s campaign.

“It feels good to know that by doing something our team enjoys like playing basketball, we are saving lives as well,” senior forward Brooks Middleton said.

Hoops for Heart also aims to serve the purpose of raising awareness about how prevalent heart issues are in the United States. Heart disease is the cause of 26 percent of deaths in America and the leading cause of death in both men and women. The campaign stresses that the number one cause of such heart problems is a lack of exercise above all other factors.

Hoops for Heart was successful last year in inspiring a number of people, and it allows people of all ages to get involved for a great cause.

“We used to do jump rope for heart [as elementary school kids],” McClew said. “It’s cool it comes full circle, and it’s really cool that kids can do things that they would do anyways and that can raise money for such a great cause.”