The Pink Balloon

This story was inspired by true events. The real Katie was 41 years old with three young children when she was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart that was all too familiar to her family. Her father has the same condition. When the shock of the diagnosis had passed, she decided to do what she could to fight back. She wanted to make a difference. She started a fundraising campaign to assist with funding research into the condition. Her logo included a pink balloon. Dr. Heather in the story is based on the real Dr. Heather Ross, a world-renowned Cardiologist. The author of the story is Katie’s mom, Nancy Shea; a retired nurse with experience in both pediatrics and cardiology. The story is illustrated by Katie’s aunt Elizabeth Halka, who herself suffered a tragic loss in the weeks following Katie’s diagnosis. For the family, this is a symbolic story of a journey of hoping, helping and healing. Proceeds from the sale of this book will be directed to:

The Katie Shea Cardiomyopathy Research Fund

To read more about Katie’s story; and about Dr. Heather Ross,
the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre and the Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research
at Toronto General Hospital, please visit her website at:

www.katiehearttoheart.ca