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

Heart Walk 2008

Today we participated in our annual Heart Walk. Drew and I ended up going by ourselves because Ava had a runny nose this morning. Since we were planning to spend the afternoon at a BBQ for heart families, we decided we didn't want to take any chances with sharing her germs. And since it was just the two of us, I didn't get very many pictures. But my good friend Gina and her family were there and she promises to send me hers!

We did the one mile loop and Drew was able to walk most of it all by himself! It was really amazing. He never would have been able to do that before this last surgery. After the walk, he made two trips to the bounce houses and jumped until he was drenched in sweat! This kid has more energy than he knows what to do with. I know I'm an emotional mush, but watching him jump today just really struck me. Three months ago we were in the hospital and he was fighting a serious infection. We were exhausted and could hardly imagine that this day would come. And here he is, jumping his heart out! I'm just so proud of my son. He is an amazing kid and I am so glad that God blessed us with him.

After the walk, we headed over to the Hearts of Hope Family BBQ at a splash park in West Sacramento. And again I felt my emotions leaking out. It was awesome to see all the kids together, comparing their scars and running around and playing. I don't think I can even adequately describe the feeling. I guess it would be some combination of pride, relief, gratitude, acceptance, understanding and love. It was an awesome day for Hearts!

And, if you wanted to donate and haven't yet, don't worry! There is still time! There is a contest to see who can get the most online donations in the month of September and we'd love to win! And if you can't donate in September, they take donations through the end of the year. Just click on the link on the top of the page and you will be taken to our donation page. Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported Team Drew this year!

me and Drew before the walk

Drew walking all by himself

Drew and his heart buddy, Casey, at the finish line

Bouncing after the walk

At the BBQ

Drew and some of the other heart kids

The kids enjoying the park

Celebrity Guest

2004

2005

2006

Since Drew has participated in the Heart Walk every year of his life, it's only natural that the AHA would want him to cut the ribbon before the walk on Saturday. We got a call from the American Heart Association yesterday and they asked if we'd be willing to have him cut the ribbon during the opening ceremony. Of course we said yes, so now we've got to practice our cutting skills.