Max and Jake's Big Race Home Page

Max and Jake’s Big Race
5k Fun Run and Walk Benefiting Rady Children’s Heart Institute
.............................................................................................................................................................................................
February 10, 2008 - Mission Trails, San Diego

Your Subtitle text

Overview

Come to scenic Mission Trails and join the Children’s Heart Institute Fundraising Committee (CHIfund) for its 1^st Annual 5k Fun Run and Walk. Whether you run, walk, or simply want to cheer the Heart Kids 100 Yard Dash, there will be activities for the whole family including special Master of Cermony Susan Taylor from NBC, live music by HullaBaloo, and a chance to win great prizes from electronics from Pioneer to running gear from Asics.

Max and Jake's Big Race was inspired by two former patients of the Heart Institute…

Max

Max went to Children’s Hospital at 3 months old to check out a common heart murmur. He was diagnosed with Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD). While hoping the hole in his heart would close on its own, he became symptomatic. At 14 months, he underwent open heart surgery to repair the hole. Today as a vibrant second grader, you would never know what he went through. He loves life, his family, friends, skateboarding, surfing, and the Padres.

During the six years since his surgery at Children’s Hospital, his family has come across many other kids, and some adults, who have had heart surgery as kids. They have offered their personal experience with this too-common, life-saving surgery as an inspirational example to friends who also face surgery with their children. May his active, happy nature serve as a source of encouragement and a reminder of how precious life is.

Jake

    Jake was diagnosed with Sinus Venosus Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) at the age of 18 months. Looking at Jake, you would never imagine that anything was wrong with him. He was spirited, good natured and full of life. But inside his chest was a condition – that if not treated – promised to cause trouble down the road… including cutting Jake’s life short.

    The only treatment option was open-heart surgery to repair the hole in his atrium and the anomalous veins leading to his heart. At the age of 2, Jake successfully underwent the operation by Dr. John Lamberti of Children’s Hospital. Thanks to the operation and the care he received, he can expect to live a long, healthy life.

    The experience had a profound impact on Jake. He came away more self-assured, stronger and more determined… and just as full of life as ever. As a 3 year old, he enjoys animals, building things, and playing pirates.