Community leans on itself to honour HeartKids

LESS than ideal weather conditions failed to deter hundreds of people taking part in the third annual HeartKids Two Feet and A Heartbeat Walk to raise awareness for congenital heart disease.

Event organiser Hannah Pearl, whose daughter Madison was born with a congenital heart condition, said there there was more support for the Mount Duneed walk this year compared to previous years, which were hindered by pandemic regulations.

“This year’s event probably had a larger factor of togetherness this year,” Ms Pearl said.

“Last year’s walk and market was coming out of the backend of COVID, a time that we just needed to get smiles on faces, whereas today [Sunday] our HeartKids families can lean on each other and network.”

Similar to last year, market stalls, children’s activities and food trucks lined the area next to Bunjil’s Nest Playground on Armstrong Boulevard, alongside community groups including Armstrong Creek Football Netball Club and Grovedale CFA.

Among the families were the Kolegas, including mother Leah, father Steve and their three boys Sam, Thomas and Connor, who were selected to be Geelong’s ambassadors for the event, and led the 4km walk.

Both Thomas and Connor are HeartKids living with congenital heart defects, with Connor not meeting his brothers until he was three months old due to immediate open-heart surgery combined with pandemic restrictions.

Ms Kolega said she was surprised that her family were asked to be ambassadors for Sunday’s walk but was honoured to take on the mantle alongside her loved ones.

“The event is a wonderful way for families to meet other families who know exactly what you are going through, connecting with each other and sharing emotions,” Ms Kolega said.

“Thanks to HeartKids, we have been able to have our eldest son Sam, who doesn’t have a heart condition, to meet other kids who have siblings dealing with congenital heart conditions and connect with them.

“HeartKids is a wonderful organisation, and we were glad to be a part of this year’s walk.”

More than 3,000 children are still born with congenital heart disease each year with four deaths recorded daily.

For more information, head to www.heartkids.org.au

Market stalls lined the event with a portion of proceeds raised going towards HeartKids.