OAK LAWN, IL — Manny the Frenchie, a celebrity French bulldog with almost 3 million followers on social media, stopped by Advocate Children’s Heart Institute’s 31st Annual Pediatric Cardiology Picnic on Saturday, Sept. 29 (World Heart Day) to spread smiles to patients both young and old. The highly anticipated event, which attracts more than 1,500 people a year, reconnects patients with the care teams that saved their lives and honors heart warriors.
The famous pooch, dubbed the “World’s Most Followed French Bulldog,” posed for photos, performed a spectacular trick show, and shared lots of love and kisses. In addition to Manny’s appearance, the picnic featured food, live music, face painting, a petting zoo, pony rides and more. This yearly event also offers patients and families the chance to meet others going through similar health struggles. Families have the opportunity to share stories, and provide each other with hope and support.
Advocate Children’s Heart Institute, the internationally recognized pediatric cardiology program at Advocate Children’s Hospital, is the one of largest pediatric cardiology programs in the Midwest. They treat more than 12,000 patients per year, performing more cardiac surgeries than any other program in Illinois. Advocate Children’s Heart Institute offers a complete continuum of pediatric cardiovascular care – from the developing fetus all the way to the adolescent as well as specialized care for the adult with congenital heart disease.
Video and photo courtesy of Advocate Children’s Heart Institute