Big Dreams for Little Hearts was formed in December 2010 as part of an effort to purchase Automated External Defibrillators (AED) for children with heart conditions. 
     Julie and Ron Salski realized the challenges with purchasing an AED after learning their daughter, Addison, was diagnosed with Ventricular Tachycardia.
    Ventricular tachycardia (V-tach or VT) is a type of tachycardia, or a rapid heartbeat, that starts in the bottom chambers of the heart, called the ventricles. The ventricles are the main pumping chambers of the heart. This is a potentially life-threatening arrhythmia because it may lead to ventricular fibrillation, asystole, and sudden death. 
     Addison is under the care of Dr. Gregory Webster who is an Electrophysiologist at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago.  At this time, there is no surgery or equipment that can cure her heart condition.  She is limited in her activities, but we feel very blessed that she is able to live a relatively normal life with few restrictions.

     Given doctor instruction to purchase an AED, Julie and Ron realized that that many insurance companies do not cover the cost of an AED which runs between $1000-$1500. Julie and Ron realized that this would be an additional medical expense that some families with children undergoing extensive treatment may not be able to afford. This sparked the vision of Big Dreams for Little Hearts.  The Salski Family has a goal to purchase and provide AEDs to children who are encouraged under doctors’ orders to have home AEDs in case of an emergency.  Along with the AED, immediate family members receive professional training on the use of an AED.
     Big Dreams for Little Hearts is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charity, and donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. This enables corporations and individuals alike to make tax-deductible donations toward AED purchases and distribution to children in need.