Hi, I’m Bryan. I was born with Tetralogy of Fallot, a rare congenital heart defect involving four distinct issues including a hole in the heart, narrow valves and a misplaced aorta.

When I was 9 months old, I had my first open heart repair.

At 25, I had my second.

Growing up, I was told I’d be undersized and physically limited compared to other kids.

I didn’t care much for that story.

Thanks to the incredible doctors who’ve worked on my case, the power of ongoing research, and organizations like the American Heart Association, I’ve lived a remarkably healthy life. With a body that performs at a very high level.

Now I get to do something I never thought would be in the cards.

I’ll be running a marathon.

I’ll be running for the kids born today with heart defects.

I’ll be running for the parents and families sitting beside hospital beds.

I’ll be running because I can. Because cardiologists, care teams and foundations like AHA made that possible.

If you’re here, it means you care and want to help fund the research and care that can change lives for the better, the way mine was.

Thank you for your support. I’ll carry it with me for all 26.2 miles.