Team Jack(son) of Hearts was started in 2022 when our son was diagnosed with Anomalous Aortic Origin of the Right Coronary. Fortunately, this congenital heart defect was discovered before he experienced cardiac arrest. After open heart surgery to repair and a 3.5 month recovery he has resumed his active lifestyle and is currently running track at the D1 level.  We continue to remind ourselves how lucky we are that our son spoke up, his pediatrician listened, and he had the curiosity and care of a dedicated cardiologist and surgeon who identified and repaired the anomaly.  It is a reminder of the value of continued research to change the lives of people who have a heart defect or heart disease. 

Our extended family has also had it's fair share of heart challenges, and research and care have proven to be valuable time and time again.  Participating in the Heart Walk is our small part to contribute to the advancement of heart health and heart care.

This year’s focus is on cardiac arrest. Nine out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside the hospital die. In most of those cases, bystander CPR was not performed. But we can change this. ​

Cardiac arrests happen at work, in homes, on athletic fields and in neighborhoods everywhere, and the readiness of our community can be the difference between life and death. ​

It's time to unite, take action, and save lives. Every walker who joins, every dollar donated, means more people trained in lifesaving CPR, more research and more lifesaving moments for everyone. ​

We Walk to Save Lives. Help us reach our goal today by joining our team or donating towards our goal. Together, we can turn bystanders into lifesavers.