Ingenious inventors
Eli Ashby and Mia Stroh, both 9, invented the Heart Helper. The medical grade watch, designed for children, would monitor for heart arrythmias and alert parents via text message when there is an issue. The invention is set to compete on the global stage Aug. 20.
COEUR d’ALENE — At first glance, Eli Ashby seems like your average kid. But underneath, a genius inventor is budding.
Eli, a Bryan Elementary student and friend Mia Stroh, invented what could be a literal life-saver for children living with severe health conditions. Their creation earned them a place of national prominence.
Invention Convention is a national competition for K-12 students. Of the 400 entrants from across the U.S., only 20 inventors advance to the global level.
Receiving the Connectivity Award and a best of show overall, the prizes include time to work with a patent attorney, $1,000 and a place in the Global Invention Convention taking place virtually on Aug. 20, in Singapore.
“It was really exciting,” said 9-year-old Eli. “My mom and I and everyone else couldn’t believe it.”
Working with Mia, also 9, they came up with the Heart Helper. A non-working model, it’s a watch designed to aid children with life-threatening heart conditions.
The inspiration comes from first-hand experience; both Eli and Mia suffer from severe heart complications. The young inventors considered every possible angle.
With no similar products on the market, the Heart Helper is child-friendly and would be covered by health insurance plans.
The Heart Helper is based on a device used by adults, called an AliveCor, which detects atrial fibrillation. The Heart Helper differs in that it is wearable and functions as a digital medical ID bracelet. The device would alert parents via text when arrhythmia is detected.
Beth Brubaker, the Invent Idaho state director, works hands-on with young competitors and oversees regional competition events across the state.
The projects that go furthest, Brubaker said, often reflect a passion to solve a problem the children deal with first-hand.
“It was very heartwarming that both Eli and Mia have had heart surgery,” she said. “Their invention is very real to them. It’s very personal.”
At 18 months, Eli underwent his first open-heart surgery. Awaiting his sixth heart surgery, he has a prosthetic mitral valve and two pacemakers.
As a baby, Eli’s mother, Jennifer Ashby, explained, he wasn’t able to tell his parents what was happening; he went into heart failure at 18 months old. The experience was terrifying.
“Being a parent who can really use something like that,” Ashby said, “it would be amazing.”
Eli is aware of the anxiety his parents feel because of his medical condition.
“I saw that my parents needed it,” he said. “It makes me sad because they are always stressed about it.”
Brubaker was present for the National Invention Convention watch party, when awards were presented.
“I got to see their excitement,” she said. “It was very cute when Eli and Mia won. The kids were jumping up and down.”
Eli and Mia spent over a month analyzing data and researching. Participants are required to submit a prototype of the invention, a video presentation and a logbook documenting the process.
“It was fun,” Eli said. “The researching was a lot.”
Info: www.inventionconvention.org or www.inventidaho.com