I run for The Children’s Heart Foundation because congenital heart defects are profoundly personal to me. My son Jack — now a thriving 15‑year‑old — was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), one of the most severe and complex heart defects. His life today is possible only because of the families, heart warriors, medical experts, and organizations who came before us and pushed research forward. We are eternally grateful.

Jack is thriving. He’s played multiple sports over the years and even suited up for junior varsity football this past fall as a high school freshman. If you had told us this was possible when we first learned something was wrong during our 16–18 week sonogram — a scan meant only to reveal whether we were having a boy or girl — we would never have believed you.

In those early days, we were overwhelmed and terrified. After receiving Jack’s diagnosis, we were told his life would likely be painfully limited. A compassionate suggestion was even made to consider not continuing the pregnancy. If he survived, we were told he would never do simple things like climb a jungle gym or play youth soccer. The list went on, and we cried for two weeks.

But a second opinion at Children’s National Medical Center changed everything. It brought us renewed hope — and the possibility of a future we had been told not to imagine.

Jack’s journey is a testament to what can happen when we allow ourselves even the smallest amount of hope. When faced with what feels like a hopeless situation, believing — even just a little — can open the door to possibilities beyond anything we could have dreamed.

With every mile I run, and with every bit of support you offer, we are helping move research forward. We are helping fearful families find hope. And we are helping children born with congenital heart disease get the chance at life they deserve.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

Pat