Sean Kristopher Grogg, of New York, NY, passed away unexpectedly on February 1st at the age of 27 from an unknown congenital heart condition. "Born December 21, 1995 in Dobbs Ferry, NY. Sean attended Boston University for undergrad and recently completed his Masters in computer science at The University of Chicago. Sean was the light and life of his entire family and a treasured friend of too many people to count. He was an intelligent, hilarious and passionate person who deeply cared about the world and those around him. He was ripped from this world too soon, but he positively impacted all the lives he touched with his infectious joy, humor, compassion and wisdom beyond his years. We were lucky to have been blessed by his beautiful introspective thoughts for the 27 years we had him.

Sean wrote this, "After loss and heartbreak, when the pain and fear creeps in, there's a real desire to build up walls, steel ourselves away from more love that could lead to more pain. And we can either give into that fear, or push through it and find new outlets for our love." 

We are running in memory of Sean and for a new outlet for our love of him. And moreover, we are running to increase awareness of congenital heart diseases, structural defects of the heart that have been present from birth. These can cause the heart or nearby blood vessels to develop abnormally. Sometimes symptoms can manifest at birth, but many times the symptoms are not apparent until adulthood. Congenital heart problems are one of the most common types of birth defects, yet many are still unaware of them. 

We hope that the money we raise will help to advance the research needed to improve detection and treatment of congenital heart diseases. You never know when raising awareness could save a life.