UPDATE: An astounding 1,000 participants gathered at Burswood Park in Perth on Sunday for the annual Two Feet & A Heartbeat charity walk, organized by HeartKids. The event, which supports families impacted by childhood-onset heart disease, has already raised an impressive $120,000 prior to its commencement.
This year’s turnout marks a record for the charity, reflecting the urgent need for support services for families grappling with the challenges of congenital heart defects (CoHD). Each day in Australia, eight babies are born with CoHD, and tragically, four young lives are lost each week due to this condition.
“Seeing up to 1,000 people here today is just amazing,” said Shelley Ure, fundraising and events coordinator for HeartKids. “This is our biggest event yet, and I can see the donations continuing to rise.”
Among the participants was Tegan Paulo, who shared her emotional journey with her son Archer, diagnosed with a 7mm ventricular septal defect at just six weeks old. “It’s horrible with anyone but when it’s kids, it’s 10 times worse,” she expressed, reflecting on the heart-wrenching experience that led to Archer undergoing open-heart surgery at just four months old. Now nine years old, Archer joyfully opened the walk, already dreaming of running his own reptile park.
“HeartKids was what got us through,” Ms. Paulo emphasized, highlighting the invaluable support from the charity during their darkest hours. “They are always there for anything – a chat, a hug. They understood.”
The event also garnered attention from Aussie rules star and charity ambassador Mitch McGovern, who was deeply moved by the immense turnout and a poignant tribute to the young lives lost to CoHD. McGovern’s involvement grew from personal experience, having witnessed a friend succumb to a heart condition at age 18. “The support HeartKids provided was something I took note of,” he shared, emphasizing the importance of spreading awareness.
This annual walk not only raises funds but also fosters a sense of community among families who have faced similar struggles. “Families who have benefited from our services return each year to give back,” Ure noted. The charity, established in 1979, is the only one of its kind in Australia, and its impact is felt far and wide.
As the walk concluded, families continued to share stories of hope and resilience, underlining the vital role HeartKids plays in their lives. The funds raised will go towards expanding the charity’s support services and programs in hospitals and communities, making a significant difference for families facing the devastating realities of childhood heart disease.
Stay tuned for further updates as HeartKids continues to make strides in supporting those affected by CoHD. Together, they are not only raising funds but also raising awareness about the ongoing battle against childhood heart disease.
