I have a very personal connection to this cause. My son Alex, was born with 2 atrial septal defects and a ventricular septal defect. This means that there were three extra holes in his heart at birth. The hope has been that they would close on their own, one has, the other two have not. As a result of this, we have spent many hours in the cardiac unit at AI DuPont hospital. Thankfully, this condition does not limit his ability to live a relatively normal life. 

This past January, we found out that the two atrial septal defects have not gotten any smaller. We were told that we will re-evaluate the situation in January 2019. The probability is high that Alex will need to undergo open heart surgery to correct the defects next year. 

All of the people that we have worked with in the cardiac unit are absolutely amazing. They make an hours-long process bearable for our little two year old every time we visit. Throughout all of the tests, he remains calm, and happy- I am convinced this is because of the wonderful people and amazing environment. 

I am happy to run in support of this cause. 

That’s why I am running for a reason - to support the Cardiac Center at Nemours with a fundraiser for the children and families they serve. 

To support Nemours means to help provide expert care, but also allows the pursuit of life-saving research and the ability to conduct community outreach and education programs, which prevent some children from ever having to enter the hospital doors.

I support the Nemours promise to do whatever it takes to prevent and treat even the most disabling childhood conditions. Every donation counts - every gift will make a difference to a child in need. Will you join me?

Thank you in advance for helping me help kids!