Family talks about their 'heart warrior' ahead of Hershey Congenital Heart Walk

Blaine McCulloch, seven, from Dauphin County, is affectionately called a "heart warrior" as he navigates life with a congenital heart defect known as Tetralogy of Fallot. His mother, Chelsie McCulloch, recounted the emotional trauma of seeing her son post-surgery when he was just nine months old. According to the Children's Heart Foundation, one in every 15 minutes, a child is born with a congenital heart defect, amounting to approximately 40,000 births annually in the U. S. The McCulloch family is gearing up for the Hershey Congenital Heart Walk on May 17 to raise awareness and funds for critical research.

Chelsie, now a dedicated 'heart mom', underscores the essential role of the Children's Heart Foundation in funding research that improves diagnosis and treatment for affected children. The walk will take place at Milton Hershey School with registration starting at 8:30 a. m. and the event kicking off at 10 a. m.

The family's participation highlights the ongoing need for community support and awareness surrounding congenital heart defects. Such events are crucial for fostering connections among families impacted by similar health challenges.