This past year has been a very defining and important one in terms of how I can give back to the community of kids, families, doctors, hospitals, and all others affected by congenital heart defects (CHD). As a father to a heart-angel who was with us for just a short time, I knew the very moment Hudson arrived that his life and legacy was important, and would live beyond his time on earth. One of the unique things about Hudson was truly how unique his situation was – we heard it almost daily from his docs – “Hudson doesn’t follow the textbooks.” Because of this – and for the benefit of the numerous heart babies born every day (about 1 in 100 babies are born with a heart defect) – I made a decision last year that I would spend 2010 training and participating in numerous races in Hudson’s honor. It was a successful year – not so much because I won any races (I didn’t), but because I discovered a tangible way to give back and to honor Hudson’s legacy. In the process, I also discovered the therapeutic nature of running as well.
As we approach 2011, I am planning an even more intentional race schedule targeted at increasing awareness and fundraising opportunities to benefit vital CHD research and emotional support to families. I am kicking it off with an exciting race to benefit a very important organization.
On January 8, 2011 I will run in the first annual Harbison 50K (Columbia, SC) to benefit the Children’s Heart Foundation.
The Children’s Heart Foundation (CHF) is a national organization focused solely on research, specifically related to congenital heart defects. As stated on their website:
Motivated by the needs of our children, the goal of The Children’s Heart Foundation is to bring health, hope and happiness to children impacted by congenital heart defects, the number one birth defect in the United States. We accomplish this goal by funding the most promising research to advance the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of congenital heart defects.
Over 75% of all funds donated to the CHF goes directly toward funding CHD research and research-related education.
My goal is to raise $1,000 for the CHF through your sponsorships and support for the Harbison 50K (31 miles) on January 8. All donations are tax-deductable as the CHF is an official, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. If you donate before January 1st, you can write off your donation as a tax deduction for 2010!
I know not all who want to will be able to donate. However, there are many ways you can support and ensure CHD awareness and advocacy continues to increase. Here’s how you can help:
- Make a donation using the donation form to the right of this post, or by clicking on the “Donate Now” button at the top right of this page
- Share this post/site with others who might be interested in supporting this important cause (you can share via facebook or twitter using the links on the left, or use the red “plus” sign to share via email, etc.)
- Send some encouragement my way – use the comments form on this post or send me an email through my Contact page
- Pledge your support for CHD awareness and tell others about this important cause
- Keep me in your thoughts and prayers on January 8 during the race
- Keep the countless children and families affected by CHD in your thoughts and prayers regularly
I will continue to post updates occasionally as the race date approaches. I am looking forward to blessing the Children’s Heart Foundation to kick off 2011, and ultimately impacting the lives of kids born with CHD through vital, life-saving research. Join me, won’t you?!
