PHOTOS: Ankeny Comes Together in Support of a "Heart for Joe"

Ankeny residents came out for chili and a good cause Friday night, raising close to $8,500 for the family of an Ankeny High School student currently awaiting a heart transplant.

The fundraiser was held at in conjunction with the Ankeny/Johnston boys' and girls' varsity basketball game. All proceeds will benefit the family of 16-year-old Joe Tourte, an Ankeny High School student who is hospitalized in Iowa City in need of a heart transplant.

The event was organized by the Heart For Joe Committee and has received support from numerous Ankeny residents and businesses.

following a visit to the doctor last year. During a chest x-ray, doctors discovered Joe had an enlarged heart, as well as congestive heart failure. He was airlifted from Des Moines to the pediatric intensive care unit at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

Once he was taken to UIHC, doctors determined Joe would need a heart transplant.

Since Joe was first taken to the hospital, his sister, Sara Tourte, said his condition has been like a “roller coaster ride”. Because of this, Joe has been unable to be placed on the transplant list until his health improves.

Sara, as well as Joe's grandpa and uncle, were at the fundraiser Friday night, in addition to numerous volunteers and community members.

Those who attended enjoyed chili and cookies. They could also buy "#heartforjoe" t-shirts and wristbands for an additional donation, much like the shirts sported by volunteers.