• Welcome to the Congenital Heart Walk!

    The Congenital Heart Walk (CHW) is the only national event series dedicated to fighting congenital heart disease. In 2018, more than 18,000 supporters will gather in more than 25 cities across the U.S. with the goal of raising much needed funds to benefit cutting-edge research, patient programs, and advocacy initiatives.

     

    Unite to fight congenital heart disease! Register for a walk in your community today!

  • One event benefiting two great organizations

    The Congenital Heart Walk is an ongoing national effort between the Adult Congenital Heart Association (ACHA) and The Children’s Heart Foundation (CHF). We walk to honor and remember the millions who have been impacted by congenital heart disease (CHD).

     

    The Congenital Heart Walk shows the nation how a team of inspired individuals can join together to make a difference. Funds raised will support the missions of both national nonprofit organizations who are uniting to fight CHD! Since 2010, CHW has raised more than $10 million in total.

    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.

     

    For more information about CHF, please visit www.childrensheartfoundation.org. 

    The mission of the Adult Congenital Heart Association (ACHA) is to improve and extend the lives of the millions born with heart defects through education, advocacy, and the promotion of research.

     

    For more information about ACHA, please visit www.achaheart.org.

  • Register or donate today!

    Click the links below to get started. Check back often as new sites are added frequently!

    Spring 2018

    Greater Atlanta

    04.21.2018

    Boston

    04.21.2018

    DC.MAR.VA

    04.28.2018

    Central Texas

    05.05.2023

    Seattle

    05.19.2018

    West Michigan

    05.19.2018

    Indianapolis

    05.20.2018

    Long Island

    05.20.2018

    Chicago

    06.16.2018

    Nashville

    06.30.2018

    Fall 2018

    Orange County

    09.09.2022

    Northern Ohio

    09.15.2018

    Minnesota

    09.22.2018

    Central Ohio

    10.14.2018

    New York City

    10.14.2018

    Houston

    10.20.2018

    Arizona

    11.04.2023

    Virtual Walk

    Anywhere, anytime!

  • Find a Congenital Heart Walk in your community

    Use the map below to find the walk nearest to you! Don't see a walk in your community? You can still participate as a virtual walker. Click here for more information! 

  • Exclusive 2018 Fundraising Incentive Prizes

    2018 Walker T-shirt

    $100 Level

    Every walker who raises $100 or more will receive this 2018 Congenital Heart Walk T-shirt on walk day! This prize is based on individual fundraising so be sure all walkers on your team are registered and have at least $100 raised! While supplies last. Walkers who do not receive a t-shirt on walk day will be mailed one after the event.

  • Walker Resources

    A one-page resource that outlines how funds raised are used by both The Children's Heart Foundation and the Adult Congenital Heart Association. 

    Thinking about starting your team for a Congenital Heart Walk? This guide will help you every step of the way!

    This short guide can help you raise $500 in just 10 days and 10 easy ways!

    Customize, print, and hang this flier in your office, school, house of worship, local business, and beyond! Fill in information about your local walk and your team!

    Customize, print, and hand out this brochure to friends and family asking them to join your team at your local Congenital Heart Walk!

    Customize, print, and hand out this save the date postcard to family and friends! 

    Healthcare practitioners can customize and distribute this postcard to patients and families asking them to participate in the Congenital Heart Walk! 

  • Why We Walk: Stories of Congenital Heart Disease

    Luca Cole Leiterman 

    Local walk: Orange County, CA

     

    CHD connection: Our affiliation with CHD came about with the birth of our first son, Luca. He was born with a coarctation of the aorta along with a couple VSD's and required surgery as an infant. Since that time we've been involved in the CHD community, in hopes to raise awareness.
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    Why you walk: As we became more involved and met more people in the community, we learned about the walks. We feel the walks are a great way to meet other CHD families who share our common bond. More importantly, the walks help raise funds and support for CHD research and treatments. We are so thankful for all those who raised funds prior to Luca being born as those funds went to research that we believe saved our son's life. It's now our turn to give back and for our son to be involved and have gratitude for his life saving procedure.

    Lionhearts

    Local walk: Nashville, TN

     

    CHD connection: In 2010 at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital, the families of Blake & Tristan, Jude, and Ayden were forever joined by their journeys with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). These boys would fight for their lives over the course of three major heart surgeries, and, in one case, a heart transplant. One son, Tristan, was embraced in heaven. Even with the heartache and struggle, these three families have experienced so much joy and hope in the lives of their children.

     

    Why you walk: Congenital heart disease is the most common birth defect and the leading cause of birth-defect-related deaths worldwide. However, unless one has family or friends who have a child with a heart defect, one doesn't hear much about CHDs. We hope the Lionhearts' participation in the Congenital Heart Walk will increase awareness, which is necessary to provides funds for medical advancement and family support.

    Kim Edgren

    Local walk: Boston, MA


    CHD connection: I am a 48 year old CHD warrior with transposition of the great vessels, pulmonary stenosis and ventricular septal defect.  I have had five  heart surgeries, including a Rastelli at age nine.  Four years ago I received a transcatheter Melody valve and two stents. 

     

    Why you walk: After attending an ACHA conference I wanted to do more to help raise funding and awareness.  In 2012 I chaired the first Boston Walk and am going on year 4!  I do this because all CHD patients, regardless of where they live, should have access to appropriate, quality care. I also want to help fund research for the growing needs of our community and for advances such as the Melody valve! And, you could not ask for a better community to spend a day with, walking for a great cause!

  • Connect with Congenital Heart Walk

  • Contact Us

    Congenital Heart Walk National Office

    3300 Henry Ave., Suite 112

    Philadelphia, PA 19129

    Fax: 215-849-1261

    Toll free: 855-CHD-WALK

    Email: info@congenitalheartwalk.org

    Staff

    Meg Gardiner

    Congenital Heart Walks Coordinator

     

    Samantha Sayward

    Congenital Heart Walks Coordinator

     

    Sarah Shuff

    Congenital Heart Walks Coordinator