Not everyone is lucky enough to be born with a healthy heart. In fact, there are approximately 2 million adults in the U.S. who have been diagnosed with Congenital Heart Diseases (CHD, for short). CHD comes in many forms, all challenges that these individuals have had since birth. They range from holes in the heart, missing valves, too many valves, blood circulation issues, to irregularly shaped hearts. Whatever form these challenges take, the cardio lives of these invidividuals are full of struggle. 

I am currently a cast member at Walt Disney World. I work with our Entertainment Team as a Character Attendant, and I am one of the lucky ones who gets to experience the joy firsthand from our little guests as they run into Mickey's arms for the first time. I get to help and watch Mickey Mouse and all his friends create happiness for our guests, big or small. It's my greatest wish that everyone has an equal opportunity to enjoy their lives, whether at Disney or not, free of the worry that comes from not being sure about what's going on inside their chest. 

So, where is your donation going? I only think it's a fair question to ask. Donating, especially these days, isn't something that most people can take lightly. Whether your donation is put toward a child's necessary surgery for their heart, or put toward necessary medicinal research to help doctors better understand CHDs, it sincerely does make a difference.

Perhaps, with your donation, research can be funded so that doctors can find a cure for CHDs so that all children can live happy, healthy lives.

Perhaps, with your donation, a family can get their child the medical assistance they need, so that they can afford to give them the opportunities to experience the other wonders that other children do. 

Perhaps, with your donation, a child won't have to spend more time in a hospital bed instead of their own.

Perhaps, with your donation, a child can run in their backyard freely, play with their dog, or race their siblings and neighbors without risking a trip to the hospital.

Perhaps, with your donation, a child can feel free to dream again, to explore, to travel, to do all the things that they can only imagine doing post surgery.

Perhaps, with your donation, a child can run into Mickey Mouse's arms, just like their classmates can.

Perhaps, with your donation, you can make the simple joys of life possible for a child.

I will be running the 2024 Disneyland Half Marathon in hopes of raising funds for the Children's Heart Foundation, where all these donations will help strengthen and enrich the lives of future generations. Each mile I run, I'll be donating too. 13.1 miles- what is each mile worth to you? Can you imagine where your $1 can go? It doesn't matter the number you donate- just know that whatever it is, it can, and will, make a difference.

If your heart is a healthy heart, think about all the wonderful things you've been able to experience- and now think about how your donation could help give a child that same chance too. Your kindess is important, and it matters. 

Consider donating to the Children's Heart Foundation. Thank you, and Happy New Year! See you in California!