Parsippany 4th Grader Raises $660 For Heart Disease Research

PARSIPPANY, NJ— A Parsippany fourth grader raised $660 for the American Heart Association through their Jump Rope for Heart event, in an effort that was personal.

Marisa Christ recently lost her grandfather to heart disease, and wanted to help others with the same struggles.

"Marisa said the event and donations were important to her because her grandpa had heart disease and had to use an LVAD (left ventricle assistive device) to help pump his heart," mom Tina told Patch. "Grandpa loved kids too so he would want to help kids with heart disease get better."

She collected the donations from friends and family by sending out emails and pleas on social media.

The American Heart Association hosts its Jump Rope for Heart program annually, and is now in its 35th year. You can learn more about the event here.

Image via Tina Christ