ALBANY, N.Y. - A group of very special children will take center court before the University at Albany men's basketball game against the UMBC Retrievers at Broadview Center on Saturday, Jan. 31, at 7 p.m.

The children are from the American Heart Association's Cardiac Kids program and the Melodies Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at Albany Medical Center. One of the children is 7-year-old Jocelynn Busch. Born with a ventricular septal defect, a patent ductus arteriosus, and an aorta that developed in the opposite direction than it should have, Jocelynn is the American Heart Association's 2026 Heart Hero. She has undergone several surgeries since birth and was recently diagnosed with CHARGE syndrome, a genetic condition that affects multiple parts of a child's body.

Despite these challenges, Jocelynn is a joyful and energetic child. She and the other children will be honored as guests at the annual "Play Your Heart Out" event, hosted by the Warren & Denyse Mackey Foundation in partnership with the UAlbany men's basketball team. Before the game, beginning at 5 p.m., the children will enjoy a tour of the basketball facilities and dinner, before entering the court through the tunnel with the team.

After the children arrive on the court, the Warren & Denyse Mackey Foundation will present both the American Heart Association and the Melodies Center with $2,500 donations.

"The Warren & Denyse Mackey Foundation is committed to improving health throughout the Capital Region," said Denyse Mackey, who founded the organization in honor of her husband, Warren, following his passing from cardiovascular disease. Mackey is also a cancer survivor. "It's powerful to honor children who live with heart disease, cancer, or sickle cell disease. Our foundation is proud to support the organizations that work every day to improve their health."

"We are honored to continue our partnership with the Warren & Denyse Mackey Foundation as we work to impact young people across the Capital Region," said Dwayne Killings, head coach of the UAlbany men's basketball team. "Of every 1,000 babies born in the U.S. each year, 12.3 are born with a heart defect. The Melodies Center treats more than 1,500 children with cancer or blood disorders annually. We are grateful for the opportunity to provide an evening of fun and, more importantly, smiles for the Cardiac Kids and Melodies Center families. Our goal is to help these special children live longer, healthier lives."

"Congenital heart defects are the most common birth defects in our nation," said Michael Colon, M.D., of Capital District Pediatric Cardiologists and president-elect of the American Heart Association Capital Region board of directors. "The support from the Warren & Denyse Mackey Foundation and the UAlbany men's basketball team gives these children the opportunity to enjoy a special evening together. The donation will also help fund research and better understand congenital heart defects and help Cardiac Kids live longer, healthier lives."

"We are so grateful for the Warren & Denyse Mackey Foundation's continued support and for this special experience with UAlbany men's basketball," said Mary Beth Nichols, child life specialist at the Melodies Center. "This event provides an evening of fun for our patients and families and allows them to create lasting memories together. We are truly appreciative of everyone's support year after year."

Saturday's contest against UMBC will also serve as the team's annual Coaches vs. Cancer Suits & Sneakers game, a nationwide initiative uniting basketball coaches in support of the American Cancer Society and the fight against cancer. The event raises awareness for prevention and the importance of early detection through regular screenings, with coaches at all levels wearing suits paired with sneakers each January as a visible sign of support. In addition, the game will be UAlbany's Hometown Heroes night, honoring local first responders and recognizing their service, dedication, and impact throughout the Capital Region.

For more information on Coaches vs. Cancer's Suits and Sneakers week, visit https://www.cancer.org/about-us/our-partners/sports-alliances/coaches-vs-cancer.html

To purchase tickets that will support the Warren & Denyse Mackey Foundation, visit bit.ly/4p4ud0e.