Two families at St. John’s Day School joined together Wednesday to raise funds for the American Heart Association.

Michael and Katye Howard and Tory and Amy Bass have more than just a school in common, however. They both have a daughter named Abby, and both Abbys share the same heart defect, coarctation of the aorta.

A coarctation of the aorta is a narrowing at some point of the aorta, the major artery that carries blood away from the heart to the body.

The girls, who were both born with the condition, are now reaching kindergarten age.

The Howard and Bass families have also partnered together for Abby’s Angels, a team they’ll field for the American Heart Association Heart Walk Saturday at Jones County Junior College.

“We’re very large supporters of the American Heart Association because of our little girls,” Tory Bass said. “We decided to put on a Trike-a-Thon to raise money to help the fight against heart disease.”

Katye Howard said St. John’s Day School asked to do the fundraiser Wednesday and she quickly agreed.

“Both girls had surgeries during the first weeks of their lives. They spent many hours on life support,” Howard said, noting her Abby had another surgery just 10 weeks ago. “St. John’s is like family. The support we’ve received is unbelievable.”

Bass said the two girls’ story is one of success. But, he remains a supporter of the American Heart Association for those that aren’t so lucky.

“When we were in Little Rock (for the surgery), I saw many that did not make it,” he said. “That’s why I’m here. I want to give back to those that aren’t as fortunate.”

Both families said they feel that God has blessed them.

“They have no restrictions. They’re in perfect health,” Howard said. “That’s thanks to God. It changes your life forever. Congenital heart defects are the number one birth defect.”

Eve Elias, director of the American Heart Association, said the money raised for the St. John’s Trike-a-Thon and Walk-a-Thon will remain in the state of Mississippi.

“We’ve been able to grant over $1 million thanks to the efforts of the community,” she said. “We want to thank St. John’s Day School, Amy and Tory Bass and Katye and Michael Howard.”

Elias added that Howard’s company, Howard Industries, will also be a survivor and red cap sponsor for Saturday’s event, which begins at 7:30 a.m. at the JCJC Bobcat Practice Field.