As many of you know, on my 8th birthday, I was diagnosed with a large Atrial Septal Defect, which is a hole between the top two chambers of the heart. 

A few months after my diagnosis, I underwent open heart surgery at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital in Hollywood, Florida to repair the hole. I am forever grateful for my surgery team at DiMaggio, lead by Dr. Jake Jaquiss, for taking exceptional care of me and allowing me to live a full, healthy, and productive life.

This year, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of my open heart surgery, I will be running the New York City Marathon as a charity runner for the Children's Heart Foundation. 

To commemorate my 25th heart surgery anniversary and to meet my $3,500 fundraising goal, I implementing a "Sponsor-a-Mile" strategy 25 miles of my marathon. And I am asking for donations between $1 and $25 and the amount of your donation will correspond to the mile sponsored. 

For instance, if you donate $4, you will be a sponsor of my 4th mile on marathon day, if you donate $18, you will be a sponsor of my 18th mile, if you donate $22, you will be a sponsor of my 22nd mile. 

I will personally be donating to sponor the 26th mile through the finish line in honor of my surgery team at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital for giving me a new lease on life. 

The Children's Heart Foundation funds the most promising research to advance the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of CHD. Despite significant advancements in the treatment of congenital heart disease, there remains substantial research that needs to be addressed regarding the developmental, transitional, and lifelong care needs of CHD patients who are living longer lives than ever before. 

As a heart warrior myself, I cannot think of a better way to pay it forward to congenital heart disease research than to fundraiser for this incredible organization. 

As a newly graduated Physician Assistant, I have seen first hand how patients and their families’ lives are transformed by a congenital heart disease diagnosis. I am running the New York City Marathon for The Children's Heart Foundation in remembrance of the heart warriors who are no longer with us, in support of those still fighting, and with the hope that further research can lead to better outcomes for future heart warriors.

With all my love and gratitude.

Olivia