A local non-profit is offering support to a family, battling the same heart condition that inspired the charity's foundation.

Jacob's Heart, based out of Lisbon OH, gives toys and books to children in treatment at Akron Children's Hospital Mahoning Valley.

It was founded by husband and wife Nicole and Chris Eells, as a way to honor the memory of their late son Jacob, who died at just ten weeks old from Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.

The rare heart defect affects 1 in 3,800 babies, and is the same condition that 6 month old Ariella Torres from Struthers is fighting. The infant is now recovering from her third open heart surgery.

After hearing Torres's story, the Eellses felt moved to reach out.

"It just tugs on your heartstrings that we have to do something to help them," Nicole Eells tells 21 News.

She adds that the organization is willing to provide support in any way they can, both in the immediate and long term.

Nicole recalled that in her own experience navigating Jacob's treatment, being connected with another family in their situation made her feel less alone.

"We actually did get to speak with a family who had a 7 year old son who went through the same procedure as Jacob," Nicole said. "That gave me hope. That made me feel comfort."