This is great!!!! Check it out and spread the word.
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Taken from the blog Sisters by Heart
When life hands you grapes, make wine! An Australian winemaker and his son, Colby, are making a tremendous difference in the heart community. Daryl Groom began making wine 30 years ago, well before his son was born. Colby Rex Groom was born prematurely with a hole in his heart – a hole that seemed to have closed spontaneously. At eight years old, Colby’s heart began to show signs of trouble and doctors discovered a defective heart valve. Colby’s first open heart surgery (a valve repair) took place at 8 years of age. Unfortunately, the repair was unsuccessful and just 10 months later, Colby required a second open heart surgery to insert a mechanical valve. Colby’s back-to-back surgeries were devastating to the Groom family.Long-time supporters of the American Heart Association, the Grooms knew that continuing their philanthropic efforts for heart research was now more important than ever. Colby continued the families’ fundraising efforts in his backyard, showing off his zipper scar at $10 a pop. Within a few years, Colby’s fundraising efforts reached unimaginable heights.
Last year, Colby approached his dad and asked him if they could make a wine together. Daryl, not knowing Colby’s intentions, agreed to make two barrels of a red blend from five different varietal grapes – Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Shiraz, Merlot and Petite Syrah. Several months after the harvesting, Colby asked his dad if the wine was “good enough to sell?” Daryl believed that it was…and
Colby Red was born. Colby shared his desire to sell the red blend and donate its proceeds to heart research. His purpose was simple, “I just want to help other kids.”Since the Grooms began selling Colby Red, less than one year ago, they have raised $115,000 for heart research. They believe strongly in Colby Red’s mission and support the American Heart Association, St. Jude’s Hospital (which developed the mechanical valve placed in Colby’s heart), and are focusing closely on individual families in need and communities who support the sale of Colby Red. Where can you purchase Colby Red and make a difference? Online at
Cellar 360 or at your local Walgreens.Daryl Groom, our fellow heart parent, simply stated: “You can feel sad about everything, or you can get out and make a difference.”
Help Colby and the Grooms make a difference in the heart community. Purchase Colby Red and enjoy a juicy and velvety red blend, all while donating much-needed funds to heart research. It’s a win-win!
