Students jump for heart association and sixth-grader

By: ADAM KAYE - Staff Writer | Saturday, January 20, 2007 6:30 AM PST ∞

CARLSBAD ---- Olivenhain Pioneer School students seemed especially driven as they jumped rope to fight heart disease on Friday.

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Officially, they jumped to benefit the American Heart Association. But in their own hearts, the grade-schoolers jumped for one of their own.

Ariana Miller, 12, an Olivenhain Pioneer sixth-grader who loves music and performs in school plays, is hospitalized in Los Angeles as she awaits a heart transplant.

"It makes me feel really good that I can help other people, especially Ariana, knowing that she's going to get open heart surgery," said Eliana Kopley, 10.

Ariana's flowing red hair and enormous smile belie a medical history that included five heart surgeries by the time she was 2 1/2.

Her father, Jeffrey Miller of Encinitas, said this week that Ariana was born with congenital heart disease. An aortic valve replacement last year didn't go well because of the prior surgeries and other complications.

"The only option now is a heart transplant," said Miller, a radiologist at Tri-City Medical Center in Oceanside.

As Olivenhain Pioneer's 2005 Student of the Year awaits a heart donor, her schoolmates ---- hundreds of them ---- filled the blacktop, skipping ropes.

Through their fundraising, they pumped more than $12,000 into the coffers of the American Heart Association, said Linda Nordstrom, an Olivenhain Pioneer parent and organizer of the event.

Friday's Jump Rope for Heart event was the third of its kind at Olivenhain Pioneer.

"Last year, we raised $5,600 and we still have money coming in," Nordstrom said. "We're hoping to get $14,000 to $15,000 (this year)."

Students have rallied for Ariana for the last week, Principal Belinda Minor said. They have painted posters and collected pledges. An assembly last week featured the Coronado Speed Spinners, a professional jump-roping troupe. The week included lessons on the importance of a healthy diet, exercise, drinking plenty of water and getting a good night's sleep.

"All the things that keep us healthy," Minor said.

The American Heart Association says heart disease is the nation's No. 1 killer, and stroke is No. 3 and a leading cause of serious disability. Every year, nearly 910,000 Americans die from cardiovascular disease and stroke.

On Friday, to the thumping beat of a DJ's music, Isaac Nachbar's rope spun beneath his feet, sometimes twice, as he pulled his knees to his chest during repeated jumps. By the end of the event, his shirt collar was damp and sweat glistened on his brow.

"It's tiring but fun," said Isaac, 12.

A number of parents spun ropes and one of them, a triathlete in training, did some double Dutches of her own.

"It's a great event to participate in with the kids and promote a healthy lifestyle," Leslie Kneeshaw said.

At one point, the children hollered in unison: "We love you, Ariana! Get well soon!"

"We do this every year, but for us to have a face to go with it is great for the kids," said parent Jennifer McQueen. "They know what they're doing this for."

Contact staff writer Adam Kaye at (760) 943-2312 or akaye@nctimes.com.