Well, the Heart Walk has come and gone and I can't help but feel like I do after any big event. There is so much preparation and excitement leading up to it and then it's over,
justlikethat. In the moment, however, there was much to be experienced and celebrated!
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| Friends |
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| Family |
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| Life |
This was our family's second year participating in the Heart Walk and it was even bigger and better than the first! There were exactly 50 of us who walked together as "Team Ethan" and, just like last year, I was overcome with emotion to see us weaving our way through the crowd - strollers, dogs, and all. My sister was also able to walk with us this year and that, in and of itself, made me want to cry!
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| Love that girl. |
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| Team Ethan - 2011 |
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| And we're off! |
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| So much love. |
About 30 minutes before the walk started, I was approached by a reporter with one of our local news stations. I don't know what led her to our group, but I answered with a resounding "YES!" when she asked if she could interview me and Jeramie. As I expected, she was completely shocked that we were there in honor of our two-year old son, and I even saw tears in her eyes as I told her a bit of Ethan's story. I was nervous as all-get-out to see the finished product - humidity-infused hair, the ugly cry, and my nervous voice had potential to be disastrous - but I was pleasantly surprised with the story. I think she did a great job highlighting Congenital Heart Defects in the midst of an adult-centered event, and I couldn't be more thankful for the opportunity to share our story and raise awareness for CHDs.
Check it out!
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| "I'm two!"- three fingers is the new two, in case y'all didn't know |
Last year, Team Ethan was able to raise a little over $2,300 for the AHA. I set a lofty goal for this year and, while we didn't meet it, we did beat last year's total by more than $400! I am so proud of our fundraising efforts and I want to sincerely thank all of you who donated to our team. Your money will go towards helping hearts all over the Triangle, and we are most appreciative that this guy will also benefit from your generosity.
My heart is so very full.
I'll leave you with a few more pictures from the day, and many, many thanks. We love y'all!
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| Me and my survivor. |
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| Trying out the hula hoop. |
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| Our newest heart friend, Michaela and her mom, Ashley. Their family drove all the way from Wilmington to walk with us! |
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| Getting some help from Mr. Randy - an adult CHD survivor and the hubby of Ethan's developmental therapist! |
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| My sweet boy. |
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| We did it! |
3 comments:
What an amazing thing how many people walked with y'all for Ethan! :-)
It was such an awesome day Joye. I don't know how it could have went any better than it did.
I enjoyed each and every second, the interview you guys did with channel 14 was icing on the cake.
Cannot wait to do it again next year.
Love you guys,
Grandma A
This is so amazing Joye! I love the shirts. I hope you are saving one from each year - those will make an awesome quilt someday. Hopefully one of theses years we will get to walk with you.
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