The band Sanctus Real is bringing more than music to its Chattanooga stop on the Winter Jam 2012 Tour Spectacular Feb. 12. Lead singer Matt Hammitt is bringing a message of education and support for families who have a child with a Congenital Heart Disease. It’s a message born of his own family’s experience, as their son Bowen was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome in 2010.
Matt and Sarah Hammitt established Whole Hearts Foundation to assist families in understanding and learning more about pediatric congenital heart diseases, to support them through their child’s surgeries and aftercare, and to provide funding for local children’s hospitals. “We want Whole Hearts to be a resource to families dealing with their child’s illness,” he said. “We understand the practical, financial, emotional and spiritual needs these families have.”
The songs on Hammitt’s first solo album, “Every Falling Tear,” were written in response to the questions, fears and frustrations he experienced once he learned of his son’s diagnosis. But the songs are universal in their ability to uplift, heal and encourage all those who hear them. A portion of the net proceeds from the sale of the album will benefit Whole Hearts Foundation.
A song from that album, “I Couldn’t Love You More,” is the subject of a new children’s book, which combines the lyrics (co-written by Hammitt and Jason Ingram) with illustrations. An online sampler of the book (scheduled for a Spring release) is available at www.tyndale.com/icouldntloveyoumore. A portion of the proceeds from the book’s sale will benefit Whole Hearts.
Whole Hearts offers tips and advice for parents of children with congenital heart diseases, such as connecting with medical professionals, where to find support in their local communities and future options. “We have established a program for localized assistance for families, including online and in-person support groups, a pastoral care network and care packages for local patients,” explained Chris Peters, the foundation’s president. “We are raising funds that will help Chattanooga-area families find the resources they need.”
Sanctus Real and eight other bands will join host NewSong for the Winter Jam 2012 Tour Spectacular. Established by NewSong in 1995, Winter Jam is committed to its policy of no tickets and admission of only ten dollars at the door. Winter Jam 2012’s Chattanooga stop is Febuary 12 at McKenzie Arena. The concert begins at 6 p.m.