Life is Why! Join me in supporting the American Heart Association!
I walk in honor of Natalie, who is a two-time open heart surgery survivor. Their first operation was at the age of 7 months and repaired some structural deformities in their heart - several holes and an extremely narrow pulmonary artery. In June of 2016, Nat had a second operation, this time to replace a leaky pulmonary valve. With the new valve in place, Natalie is full of energy and life and has the cardiovascular strength to Heartwalk, bike, game, and so much more!
Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs) are the number one birth defect in the United States, with about 40,000 babies born each year with one. Sadly, heart disease just doesn't effect those who have lived a long life. The good news is though, through research advancements funded by organizations like the American Heart Association, there are more adults living with CHD than there are babies/children with CHD. This is remarkable when we consider that surgical interventions for CHDs were pioneered in the 1940's. Prior to that, a Congenital Heart Defect was surely a death sentence.
Please help me reach this lifesaving goal by donating today. Together, we can make healthier, longer lives possible for everyone. If you can't donate, please consider joining my team, or helping to spread the news about Heart Walk.
Thank you in advance for your support!