Friday, September 25, 2009

Heart Walk 2009

This year's heart walk was a total success!

We were able to raise $2735!! How amazing is that?! Thank you to everyone who made a donation to the American Heart Association on our behalf. Because of your generosity we were the number one individual fundraiser for Sacramento! You guys are awesome!

No one was sick this year, I was able to run the 5k (the first time since we've been doing this walk), and Dan and the kids walked the entire one-mile loop with no stroller. We even had Grandma Kathy join us this year. The weather was perfect, warm but not too hot. We met up with lots of our Hearts of Hope friends in the VIP tent afterward. Of course Drew and Ava had to spend some quality time in the bounce house and walking around collecting samples, trinkets and paperwork from the various booths.

After the after-walk festivities we headed off to Fairy Tale Town for the UCD pediatric heart surgery reunion. The kids got to play and the generous folks from UCD provided a delicious bbq lunch for us. I got to meet a new heart mom with a little one with HLHS and reunite with a family that we met when Drew was in the NICU. What an amazing day...There is nothing like seeing a bunch of heart kids running around without a care in the world.

We all had signs saying "I walk for my son/brother/grandson, Drew" His said "I walk for me!"

Dan, Drew, Grandma Kathy and Ava nearing the finish line

Grandma Kathy and Ava

Me and Drew. I caught up with the walkers near the finish line.

Ava, Drew and Mommy

Our heart warrior finishing strong

We made it!

Hanging with heart buddy Casey (this picture is stolen from his blog!)

Drew with his buddy, Dinger

Ready to bounce

Ava in the bounce house

7 comments:

Linda said...

Very, Very Cool!

Carey said...

That's great. Next year I would really like to get out and do the heart walk. I'll have to talk to you about how to get involved.
Loved all your pictures!
Carey

Amy, Steve, Molly, Paige and Garrett said...

YAY! Awesome post!

Gina and the Gang said...

Congrats on being the money-maker this year!! Next year we will combine and rule the walk!!!

Leslie said...

i'm all about these walks now that this morning's is under my belt...ha! and knowing what i know now about the "challenges" that accompany you on longer runs, i'm QUADRUPLY impressed that you ran this one. :)

The Portas said...

I'm so glad you had a good, healthy walk this year!

Your t-shirts are ADORABLE!!

Ava looks so stinkin' cute in her little pigtails, and Drew is such a bright shining light. What an amazing family you guys are! xo

Unknown said...

Sounds like you guys had a great time! I love all the pictures.