The Adult Congenital Heart Association (ACHA) will hold its New York City Walk for 1 in 100 on Sunday, Oct. 6, at Riverbank State Park. ACHA, the only nonprofit in the country dedicated solely to the unique needs of the 1.4 million adults born with heart defects, has set a goal of 300 walkers and $100,000 raised at this event. The New York City Walk for 1 in 100 is one of 14 similar events ACHA is hosting nationwide in 2019 to raise money for outreach, education, research and more.
“Walk for 1 in 100 helps to energize our network of congenital heart disease (CHD) patients, supporters, and medical professionals in communities across the country and to increase knowledge of the specialized care that those born with heart defects need throughout their lifetimes,” said Mark Roeder, ACHA president and CEO. “Funds generated through the New York City Walk will support the ACHA ACHD Accreditation Program, which is working to elevate and standardize care for the adult congenital heart disease population nationwide. In addition, Walk for 1 in 100 helps to fund cutting-edge medical research, advocacy efforts and various educational and outreach initiatives. We look forward to meeting new friends in all our Walk for 1 in 100 communities this year!”
Walk for 1 in 100 was created to empower all of those who were born with a heart defect, their loved ones, and the medical community that cares for them, such as ACHA Board of Directors member Aliza Marlin of walk team Kicking and Screaming.
“I’ll turn 51 next month and I feel strong and healthy, supported and empowered. However, 51 years ago, I had my family, my doctors and that was it. I was sure I was the only kid with a narrow valve and a scar down her chest. It was lonely. I can’t let anyone feel like that. ACHA will never let anyone feel like that,” said Marlin. “There are 1 in 100 people out there and we must find them so they can feel strong, healthy, supported and empowered. They’ll be walking alongside me on October 6—and so should you.”
The 3-mile walk at Riverbank State Park will include refreshments, music/entertainment and fun activities for all ages.
For more details or to register for a walk, please visit www.walk1in100.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. 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 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
