I'm lacing up my sneakers for the American Heart Association Heart Walk because every step I take is a stride toward hope for my incredible nephew, Hagen, who was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), a critical congenital heart defect that affects the heart's ability to pump blood effectively. From the moment he entered our lives, he's been a fighter, undergoing multiple surgeries and facing challenges with a spirit of hope and courage.

Participating in the Walk isn't just about the physical activity?it's about channeling that energy into raising vital funds that fuel the AHA's groundbreaking research to develop lifesaving treatments for congenital heart defects like HLHS. By walking together as a community, we're directly supporting innovations in treatments, surgeries, and therapies that could one day make stories like Hagen's end with even brighter outcomes.

The AHA has been a beacon of progress, investing millions in research that has already improved survival rates and quality of life for kids with HLHS and other heart conditions. Your donation means more studies, better medical advancements, and stronger support systems for families navigating this journey. Join me in this heartfelt mission?walk with us, donate if you can, and let's turn our love into action that saves lives. Together, we're not just raising funds; we're building a healthier future, one heartbeat at a time. #HeartWalk #FightHLHS