As I train for my second Marine Corps Marathon, I feel the blessing of having a healthy heart and remember how scary it was for my family when my little brother Jimmy, who has Down syndrome, was born with two holes in his heart. 

The holes in Jimmy's heart closed on their own, but that is not the case for the 50% of babies born with Down syndrome who will have a heart defect that require surgery to save their life. That's where Hearts of Joy International comes in. They are a nonprofit organization that provides life saving heart surgery to individuals with Down syndrome in countries where there is no access to this care. 

This year, I am raising funds for their important mission through my marathon. I will be posting this link throughout my training process and am hoping to raise $100 for every mile of the marathon or $2,620 total. 

The marathon will take place on October 27, during Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Please consider contributing however you are able. Anything you can give makes a world of difference. Thank you for your generosity!