Join Michael in his fight for Heart Research

Hi, My name is Michael and I am 9 years old. I was born with a rare heart condition. Fortunately my condition was diagnosed at an early age. I had open heart surgery at the age of 6 and have been very healthy ever since. I love playing baseball, riding my bike and skateboard and I love doing karate.

This will be my 3rd year walking in the San Diego Heart Walk. I am walking to raise money to help all the adults and children who suffer with heart conditions. I wish that with the money I raise that Doctors and Scientists can find cures to help people, just like one of my best friends, Bailey. One day I want to become a Scientist so that I can help find a cure for heart disease and cancer.

My family and I are very grateful to the Doctors, family and friends who were there to support us during my surgery and have been walking and raising money with us for this wonderful cause, for the last 2 years.

Please help me reach my goal and if you would like to come and join us for a wonderful day of walking. Together we can BEAT IT!!!

The 2008 Start! Heart Walk is a 5K walk to be held on Saturday, September 20, 2008 in beautiful Balboa Park, San Diego.? The event planners expect over 10,000 participants this year and have created a wonderful way for individuals, friends, families, companies and employees to team up with the American Heart/Stroke Association’s fight against heart disease and stroke.

I would like to dedicate this years walk to my great grandfather, Wayne Nowlen. My great grandfather was a strong and wonderful man. He had five bypass surgeries a couple of years ago. He lived to be 93 years old. I lost my great Grandfather this year, but I am thankful for all the wonderful things that I learned from him and all the memories that I have of him. “Big Pa, We love you and miss you very much, this year we walk in honor of you.”

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According to Michael's mom the staff at Ridgemoor has been exceptional. "When we first found out about Michaels condition Ridgemoor Elementary held a blood drive for him in their Parking Lot of their school. Michael was in Kindergarten at the time and when he went in to have open heart surgery in May of 2005 his Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Penny Cook was there at the hospital with us. She would not leave the hospital until she had a chance to see him. During last years Heart Walk Mrs. Cook and his current third grade teacher's Miss Myers and Mrs. Jacobs came out and walked with him. Its just a wonderful school and staff."

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George Espinoza a custodian at Ridgemoor Elementary, had a small Heart Attack last month. All the staff and children at Ridgemoor are extremly close to him and Michael was especially concerned. When Mr Espinoza returned to work, Michael asked him to join us at the heart walk and George was honored. George said "Life is very important and you have to take care of yourself." He let Michael know that as long as he's around he will be walking with him.

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To JOIN Michael's "BEAT IT" team Click HERE.