Heart Heroes

Many people have asked us why we are working so hard to raise money for the American Heart Association... My dad, Darrell Powell, had a heart attack on October 12, 2003. Because he had spent a lifetime taking care of his body by exercising and eating right, my dad survived the heart attack. My son, Wesley, was two years old at that time. Wesley and my dad have always had a special bond and the heart attack profoundly Wesley.

Three years later, when Wesley started kindergarten, his elementary school participated in the Jump Rope For Heart campaign. Wesley was ecstatic! This was something that was concrete for him. It was a way for him to be proactive. Finally, he'd found a way to help his granddad. He latched on to that and has been the biggest fundraiser for the Jump Rope for Heart campaign at North Joshua Elementary since he was in kindergarten. He is now in 7th grade and has raised over $10,000 in the seven years he's been associated with the American Heart Association. The amazing thing is that he donates over $200 of his allowance towards the cause every year and challenges others to match his donation. Wesley is so passionate about this because he believes that if he can help the AHA, he can help save people like my dad.

Although he is still planning on donating the allowance he has saved this year (and challenging others to match it) he also sees how important it is to teach others about healthy choices and exercise. That's why we decided to organize our 3rd Annual Heart Heroes 5k. We think it is a great way to get people moving AND let them give money to a worthy cause.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read our story! We hope that you will join us in making a difference! See you at the race!

Melissa and Wesley McHugh