Welcome to the 2009 Carpet Capital Start! Heart Walk
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Event Goal: $115,000
Meet Megan Madden, she is a true miracle child. She was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a virus that attacks the heart, at 11 months of age. After a grim prognosis and her condition deteriorating everyday, Gene and Tammy Madden were told their daughter would need a heart transplant in order to survive. Miraculously, two weeks later, Megan received the gift of a new heart. Although her body has not rejected her new heart, there have been complications. She suffered a stroke during one of the many procedures she endured while in the hospital. This resulted in a severe brain injury from which Megan continues to recover.
Now 6 years old, Megan attends Kindergarten. She undergoes aggressive physical therapy to overcome the effects of the stroke and is making tremendous progress. Like many other six-year-olds, she is energetic, loves Dora the Explorer and her parents. Her family is incredibly grateful for the miracle they received and share their story of hope and faith with other families enduring similar circumstances. They also spend time promoting organ donation.
The American Heart Association is proud to honor Megan Madden as the Heart Child for the Carpet Capital Start! Heart Walk in Dalton, Georgia. Megan’s story will raise awareness that heart disease and stroke are not just issues that adults face. Many times it’s children who fight this courageous battle.
Start! Making a Difference!
Supporting the fight against heart disease and stroke is a rewarding experience and is really very simple.
Sign up with your company team or build your own team of family and friends.
Follow the steps to create a personalized webpage showing your goal and your reasons for supporting the American Heart Association.
Send e-mails to your contacts asking them to make a secure online donation toward your campaign. Donors can expand their gift if they work for a matching gift company.
Attend the Start! Heart Walk and celebrate your achievement.
Since 1924 the American Heart Association has helped protect people of all ages and ethnicities from the ravages of heart disease and stroke. These diseases, the Nation's No.1 and No.3 killers, claim more than 910,000 American lives a year. The association invested more than $543 million in fiscal year 2005-06 for research, professional and public education, and advocacy so people across America can live stronger, longer lives.
Thanks to all our walkers, donors and volunteers who have accepted the challenge to help fight heart disease and stroke. We cannot achieve our mission without each one of you!
For more information please contact Dale Huffstetler at (423)668-4900 or via email at dale.huffstetler@heart.org
