WEIRTON – The pupils, faculty and staff of Weirton Elementary have been focusing on the heart this month, with their efforts paying off Friday.

Inspired by their classmate, Luca Cassiadoro, the youth have spent the last few weeks taking part in a Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser to benefit the American Heart Association. Through the students’ efforts, as well as a $1,000 contribution made Friday by the WVU Medicine Weirton Medical Center Cardiology Department, the effort brought in $5,802.

Dylan Cassiadoro, a physical education teacher at the school, and Luca’s father, welcomed students, faculty and other guests gathered for an assembly Friday morning to cap off the effort.

“For the past seven years, I’ve celebrated my heart warrior every day,” he said, explaining Luca was born with several heart issues, which has led to surgeries in an effort to address his needs.

The Lil Riders have spent the last few weeks showing their support, and learning more about heart health, while taking part in a Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser, earning money through pledges in exchange for them jumping rope.

“Jumping rope is a great activity for heart health,” Cassiadoro said, welcoming representatives of the hospital, including cardiologist Dr. Vikrant Jagadeesan, to speak about ways people can care for their hearts.

“The heart is such an important organ,” Jagadeesan told the youth, explaining its functions of pumping blood through the body and regulating other systems. “It works every second of every day.”

To help keep their hearts working well, both in their youth and throughout their lives, he recommended the youth eat healthy, stay active and make sure they get a good amount of rest. He also encouraged them to make safe choices in life and to be positive and kind to others.

“These small things you do at this stage will help as you grow,” he said.

Cassiadoro invited 18 youth, who he explained had logged in the most jumping during the fundraiser – with some reaching more than 400 jumps – to join Jagadeesan to demonstrate some of their jump roping abilities.

Each was then given a stethoscope, so they could listen to their hearts to learn more about the effects of physical activity.

“It beats fast,” Jagadeesan explained. “You should be able to hear your heart easier.”

All of Weirton Elementary’s pupils also received a gift bag from the hospital.

(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com)