Although things may look a tad different this year, the 2020 Denver Congenital Heart Walk still aims to make a difference, one step at a time.

Every year, The Children's Heart Foundation hosts a walk in Denver to raise funds to advance "the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of congenital heart defects (CHDs)." However, due to the pandemic, this year's event is going virtual.

The Congenital Heart Walk series is the primary fundraising program that benefits The Children's Heart Foundation, and because of the efforts of the series and the funding raised, there have been significant improvements for CHD patients, including increased survival, longevity, and quality of life. It's been estimated that there are between two and three million Americans living with CHDs, and they are not only living happier lives, but longer and healthier ones.

The Denver Congenital Heart Walk for 2020 is happening the week of September 14, with Walk Day occurring on September 20. Throughout the week, you're invited to join The Children's Heart Foundation for Heart family stories, CHD facts, research updates, remembrance, activities, live hangouts, and more every night.

For more details on the 2020 Denver Congenital Heart Walk, including how you can donate, become a sponsor, and/or start a team, please click here. You can also view the incentives for fundraising, which includes a t-shirt, water bottle, and more.

Our Community Now will be supporting Jaxson's Journey. Please consider donating to our team, as every little bit helps us reach our goal!

Across the nation, all donation periods have been extended to December 31, so there's plenty of time to donate and make a difference. Visit the nationwide series page to learn more.

What Are Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs)?

According to The Children's Heart Foundation, CHDs are the United States' most common birth defects, ultimately affecting nearly 40,000 babies every year—that's one child every 15 minutes. CHDs come in different types and with various degrees of severity.

Courtesy of The Children's Heart Foundation

"As medical care and treatment have advanced, thanks to research, infants with CHDs are living longer and healthier lives. Many children with CHDs are now living into adulthood. It is estimated that more than two million individuals in the United States are living with a CHD," states the foundation's website. "Even with improved treatments, people with CHDs are not cured, even if their heart defect has been repaired. People with a CHD can develop other health problems over time, depending on their specific heart defect, the number of heart defects they have, and the severity of their heart defect."

The foundation notes that it's important for those with CHDs to regularly visit their doctors and get check-ups.

To learn more about The Children's Heart Foundation, click here.

Will you be participating in the virtual Heart Walk? Leave a comment below.