Get ready to lace up your sneakers and join the Adult Congenital Heart Association (ACHA) for the 2024 Houston Walk for 1 in 100. This family-friendly event, scheduled for Saturday, April 27 at Memorial Park Conservancy, aims to raise vital funds for congenital heart disease (CHD) research, outreach programs, and patient advocacy efforts. With a fundraising goal of $35,000, every step you take and every dollar you raise will make a difference in the lives of those affected by CHD.

Mark Roeder, president and CEO of ACHA, expressed his excitement for the event, stating, “We are thrilled to provide this forum of support, positivity, and visibility for families living with CHD. Your presence and charitable donations will have a profound impact on our ability to serve this diverse community.”

The walk will commence with check-in starting at 9 a.m., followed by an inspiring opening ceremony at 10 a.m. Participants will then embark on a one-mile stroll through the picturesque surroundings of Memorial Park Conservancy’s sunny picnic loop. Sponsors for the event include esteemed organizations such as Texas Children’s Hospital and Johnson & Johnson.

This year’s theme, "We Are Stronger Together," underscores the importance of community in the CHD health journey. Funds raised during the event will support local research centers and programs, including three accredited centers based in Houston. These centers have played a pivotal role in conducting research projects that have contributed to advancements in patient care nationwide.

Dr. Peter Ermis of Texas Children’s Hospital emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “At the Adult Congenital Heart Program at TCH, we have enjoyed our longstanding close partnership with ACHA and are happy to support this vital event for our ACHD communities.”

CHD affects approximately 1 in 100 people in the U.S., making it the most common birth defect. It encompasses a range of structural abnormalities in the heart present at birth, impacting nearly two million adult Americans.

To register for the Houston Walk for 1 in 100, make donations, and create a personalized fundraising page, visit the event page at https://support.achaheart.org/Houston2024. For additional information about ACHA’s patient programs, clinic directory for CHD patients, and donation opportunities, visit achaheart.org.

Let’s come together as a community to support CHD research and advocacy efforts at the 2024 Houston Walk for 1 in 100. Join us in making a positive impact on the lives of those affected by congenital heart disease.