A cause close to my heart

OK, cringe-y puns aside, help support CHD advocacy, research, community and awareness

The 2023 Walk for 1 in 100 at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Photo: ACHA

Hello! I’m dropping into your inbox during my newsletter hiatus to let you know about an exciting event coming up: the Adult Congenital Heart Association’s biggest fundraising event of the year, the Walk for 1 in 100. 

Last year, I came down with Covid and had to miss the walk. 🤯 This year, I’m looking forward to the New York City event, which will take place on Sept. 22 in Brooklyn Bridge Park, a sparkling green space on the river with a gorgeous view of lower Manhattan. I’ll have my own table with free stickers, and I’d love to meet you all! Plus, I’ve set an ambitious goal to raise $1,000.

Why is this important?

As you know, I was born with a heart defect called tricuspid atresia. On the outside, you’d likely never know anything was amiss (unless you see my zipper scar). But my weird and special heart requires lifelong, specialized care.

And I’m not alone. More than 2.5 million people in the U.S. have congenital heart conditions—heart defects are the most common birth defect in America, affecting 1 in 100 babies. Medical advances have allowed more people to survive into adulthood, but adequate medical care is difficult to access. Research is scant. Many people with CHDs grow up without ever meeting anyone like them.

The ACHA has been working to change this reality for more than a quarter century, advocating for legislation in Washington, D.C., accrediting specialized cardiology clinics, funding research, and hosting events to educate and bring together this community.

Their efforts have directly benefited me, from their webinars that have given me much needed information to the research that has helped me understand my bum ticker to their continued backing of The Heart Dialogues. Many subscribers to this newsletter already know about the ACHA’s work!

Here’s how you can help:

• Help me reach my goal! Make a contribution at my personal fundraising page.

• Register for the walk here and join me on Sept. 22. Or check out the full calendar of walks across the U.S.

• Sponsor the walk—sponsorships start at $250. 

• Share this post on social media, or tell someone who might be interested in contributing, walking or sponsoring! 

Thank you so much for reading and for raising awareness about congenital heart conditions. ❤️