Congenital Heart Walks Announced in 26 Communities Nationwide in 2018

Philadelphia, April 17, 2018 -- To support, honor and remember the millions of children, adults and families impacted by congenital heart disease (CHD), The Children’s Heart Foundation(CHF) and the Adult Congenital Heart Association(ACHA) will host a series of Congenital Heart Walks throughout 2018. More than 18,000 walkers will gather in 26 communities across the United States:

• Greater Atlanta – April 21
• Boston – April 21
• DC.MAR.VA – April 28
• Dallas-Fort Worth – April 28
• Central Texas – May 5
• Central Pennsylvania – May 5
• Greater Los Angeles – May 6
• Seattle – May 19 
• West Michigan – May 19
• Indianapolis – May 20
• Long Island – May 20
• Greater Philadelphia – June 10
• Chicago –June 16 
• Greater Pittsburgh – June 23
• Nashville – June 30
• Orange County – September 9
• Northern Ohio – September 15
• Greater St. Louis – September 22
• Southeast Michigan– September 22
• Minnesota– September 22
• Central Ohio– October 14 
• New York City – October 14
• Houston– October 20
• Denver – October 28
• Arizona– November 4 
• San Francisco – TBD  

Those who want to participate but are unable to attend a walk can join in the 2018 Virtual Congenital Heart Walk. Virtual Congenital Heart Walks are independent fundraising campaigns that can happen any time or anywhere regardless of whether there is an official Congenital Heart Walk in your area.

The Congenital Heart Walkis an ongoing national effort between ACHA and CHF. Both organizations share the goal of raising much needed funds to benefit cutting-edge CHD research, patient/professional education programs, and advocacy initiatives.Congenital heart defects (CHDs) affect about 1 in 100 births. 

“The Children’s Heart Foundation is grateful for the generosity of the thousands of walkers and supporters across the country,” said Joe Brownlee, Interim Executive Director of CHF. “Their efforts enable CHF to fund research that will advance the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of CHDs and enable babies born with CHDs to live longer, healthier lives." Mark Roeder, President and CEO of ACHA, added, “As we continue to elevate the standard of quality, comprehensive care through the ACHA ACHD Accreditation program, the dollars generously donated by our thousands of walkers, as well as their supporters, enable us to expand our education and advocacy efforts nationwide.”

For more details or to register for a walk, please visit www.congenitalheartwalk.org.

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About the Adult Congenital Heart Association (ACHA)

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. Founded in 1998, ACHA is an organization begun by and dedicated to supporting individuals and families living with congenital heart disease and advancing the care and treatment available to the community. For more information, contact (888) 921-ACHA or visit www.achaheart.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About The Children’s Heart Foundation (CHF)

The Children’s Heart Foundation (CHF) is the country’s leading national organization solely committed to congenital heart research funding. The mission of CHF is to fund the most promising research to advance the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of congenital heart defects (CHDs). Since 1996, CHF has funded millions of dollars of research across the U.S. and Canada. For more information, please visit www.childrensheartfoundation.org. Follow us on Facebookand Twitter.

Morgan Feeley
Adult Congenital Heart Association
610-254-7418
[email protected]