Father races to launch ‘Hart for Hearts’ fundraiser
Ben Hart
(CNS): A father whose son suffers from a rare congenital heart defect is taking part in both a triathlon and a half-marathon to raise both awareness of the condition and funds to assist these families with expenses associated with urgent paediatric cardiology healthcare.
With the assistance and support of the Cayman Heart Fund (CHF), Ben Hart has created the “Hart for Hearts” challenge — to complete the triathlon on 1 November and half marathon on 6 December. He hopes to raise awareness of the problems families in Cayman face when a baby is born with a congenital heart defect as well as help them financially.
In 2012, Hart’s son, Hugo, was born with a rare congenital heart defect, which required his family to be based in the US for more than three months. Due to his family’s journey, this cause is close to his heart. Every dollar raised will be donated to a dedicated fund with the Cayman Heart Fund, used solely for affected families.
Babies born with heart defects often have to undergo complex surgeries and some of these infants die every day due to their condition.
Dr Sook Yin, a CHF director, is very excited about the challenge. “Our Cayman community continues to amaze me when we find families like the Hart family who, in the midst of their own struggles to come to terms with the fact that their child is born with a rare congenital heart defect, will think of other families in our midst who may face the same challenge,” she said.
Yin explained that these families may not be able the medical and surgical treatment for their child, as well as their own accommodation and travel expenses abroad.
She added, “When Ben approached the Cayman Heart Fund to champion this cause, not just to raise funds but also to raise awareness for children born with congenital heart defects, CHF was very appreciative and supportive of his initiative as this is very much needed in our community.
“We hope that everyone will donate generously to this worthwhile cause and turn up and cheer Ben to the finish line of both the triathlon and marathon.”
Donations can be made directly to the Cayman Heart Fund’s account (#01111776) at Cayman National Bank. Deposits must include #hartforhearts in the reference.
Category: Medical and Health, Running, Sports, Triathlon
