Superheroes of all ages will converge on the Upper Cumberland area at Tennessee Tech University’s Intramural Fields (1 William L Jones Dr, Cookeville, TN) for the 2nd Annual Superhero Heart Run on Saturday, June 24, 2017. This event is a 5k/2k fun run/walk raising awareness for Congenital Heart Defects (CHD). Heart Heroes, Inc. & Mended Little Hearts of Upper Cumberland are exctied to join forces again to bring this great family fundraising event back to Tennessee.

“Congenital Heart Defects (CHD) are the most common birth defects worldwide, affecting 1 out of every 100 babies born. However, many people of unaware of CHD & the fact that it takes thousands of children’s lives each year,” states Margaret Keller, Heart Heroes, Inc. National Program Director. “The Superhero Heart Run is a nationwide movement to create awareness & funds for CHD programs, support, & research. More importantly, it is an opportunity for the children & families affected by CHD to celebrate their incredible journeys of life with CHD!”

Last year’s event raised over $14,000 and welcomed nearly 300 superheroes to Tennessee Tech University! Our goal this year is to raise $20,000 for local CHD programs, support and research. “All aspects of CHD are vastly underfunded & there’s a need to expand this event to Tennessee to encourage people to get involved, “ said Keller. Families in Tennessee will benefit directly through the programs & services provided by Heart Heroes, Inc. and Mended Little Hearts. In addition to support meetings & family activities, MLH- Upper Cumberland provides Bravery Bags to the Children’s Hospitals in Tennesee, to provide comfort items and toiletries to families during their child’s hospital stay.

The Superhero Heart Run begins at 8:30 a.m. with registration, check-in, and family fun activities. The 5k/2k begins at 9:30 a.m., & family activities continue through noon. Each paid, online registratnt will receive an official Superhero Heart Run Cape. Superhero costumes of all varieties are encouraged! To sign-up for this fun event and support a great cause go to SuperHeroHeartRun.com. Online registration: Adults- $25, Children 2-12- $10, & Heart Heroes (individual with CHD) are FREE. Walk-up registration is avialable the day of the event.

Heart Heroes, Inc. is a non-profit established in 2009 to provide support to children & families affected by CHD through the distribution of superhero capes, programs to offer hope & funding for CHD research. Heart Heroes, Inc. has been featured on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams as well as the Huffington Post. Mended Little Hearts is a programs of the Mended Hearts, Inc., a non-profit, volunteer-based organization providing hope, help, and healing to heart patients and their families since 1951. The Mended Little Hearts program works nationally & in communities to support children with Congenital Heart Defects & their families.