LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- An annual fundraiser has helped to improve and save the lives of children across Kentuckiana.

The 14th annual Bourbon & Bowties event raises money for sick children at Norton Children's Hospital.

Annalise Aguirre, 5, was born with a heart rhythm disorder called Long QT Syndrome. 

"I want to say it was, what, the second day, they found that she had an irregular heartbeat," her father Oscar Aguirre said. "It happened very quickly."

Her parents Oscar and Joanna were celebrating Annalise's birth when she was born, but the next day was shrouded in concern.

"Once we found out that she had Long QT, they had to hurry up and fly her down to Norton's and they had to do emergency surgery on her to get a pacemaker and everything," Oscar said.

In July of 2021, the family had another close call.

"She went into cardiac arrest and I had to bring her back to life using the AED and CPR and everything," Oscar said.

Oscar said his military training kicked in.

"I was an MP in the Marine Corps and we were taught life-saving techniques," Oscar said.

But since then, the family has also relied on the medical staff at Norton Children's Hospital.

"If it's anything more serious, we know to take her to Norton's right away," Oscar said. "We don't even hesitate."

That's why the family is excited that Annalise will be honored at this year's annual Bourbon and Bowties fundraiser. It is one of the largest fundraising events of the year for Norton Children's Hospital.

"This year we will surpass hopefully our $3 million mark raised over the past 14 years," said Anne Cannon, director of events for Norton Children's Hospital Foundation.

The event has raised more than $2.8 million and benefited nearly 215,000 children annually around Kentucky and southern Indiana.

Crews are setting up for the event on Thursday at Fleur de Lis Farm at 8316 Wolf Pen Branch Road in Prospect.

"The event is at Fleur de Lis Farm, which is a private farm in Prospect," Cannon said.

The money raised from the event will benefit the hospital in Louisville.

"This year specifically it's going to support our Norton Children's Heart Institute to help those of all ages from birth to teens and beyond with heart conditions," Cannon said.

The walls inside a tent on the farm are lined with the faces of previous honorees.

"She has been calling it her party," Oscar said.

The honorees also helped design the featured bowties for the event.

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