Join the CHD Supporters: Walking for a Stronger Future
Every step we take in the Southern New England Heart Walk brings us closer to a future where people with congenital heart disease (CHD) live longer, healthier lives. Our team, CHD Supporters, is dedicated to raising awareness, supporting those affected by CHD, and funding critical research.
Why We Walk
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common birth defect, affecting nearly 1 in 100 newborns. While medical advancements have allowed many children with CHD to survive into adulthood, the journey doesn’t end there. Many adults with CHD still face lifelong medical challenges, requiring specialized care, ongoing procedures, and increased awareness about their unique health needs.
As a mother, I’ve lived this reality firsthand. My son, Noah, is 20 years old and has hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS)—a complex CHD in which the left side of the heart is underdeveloped. He has undergone multiple surgeries and faced challenges that many people will never have to think about. Yet, through it all, he has shown incredible strength and resilience.
Noah is one of the growing number of adults with CHD—individuals who are thriving, but who still need continued medical care, research, and support. This is why we walk: for every child who grows into adulthood with CHD, and for the future of CHD care.
