Sanctus Real
The band Sanctus Real is bringing more than great music to its Columbia stop on the Winter Jam 2012 Tour Spectacular March 9. 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 (HLHS) 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 Fal l ing 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.
A song from that album, “I Couldn’t Love You More,” is the subject of a new children’s book, with the same name, which combines the lyrics ( cowritten by Hammitt and Jason Ingram) with irresistible illustrations in a loving, yet powerful message. Fans can get an online sampler of the book ( releasing from Tyndale House Publishers, April 2012) by visiting www.tyndale.com/ icouldntloveyoumore. A portion of the proceeds from the book’s sale will benefit Whole Hearts Foundation.
Whole Hearts Foundation offers practical 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 inperson 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 Columbia area families find the resources they need.”
Sanctus Real and eight other bands join host NewSong for the Winter Jam 2012 Tour Spectacular. Established by NewSong in 1995, Winter Jam is committed to ministry and its policy of no tickets and admission of only $10 at the door. Winter Jam 2012’s Columbia stop is Friday, March 9, at Colonial Life Center. The concert begins at 7 p.m.
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