05/12/2026
I’m bringing back something that means a lot to me:
2nd Annual Pay What You Can Minis for the Heart of IL Congenital Heart Defect Walk🥳🥳
This year, we’re walking as Team Wallywood to raise funds for the HOI CHD walk (happening June 7th), in honor of my nephew, Wally.
For those that don't know his story. At just 9 days old, Wally was brought to the hospital and shortly after arrival he went into cardiac arrest with multiple organ failure because of an Unknown Coarctation of the Aorta. Once he was strong enough, Wally had to have heart surgery to repair his aorta. And he has since gone on to have a number of procedures in relation to his condition, all under the guidance and skilled work of the Congenital Heart Center and the Children’s Hospital at OSF.
My family is fortunate to live so close to a Level 4 trauma center here in Peoria, IL, with a team of pediatric heart surgeons and cardiologists. Because of the incredible care at OSF’s Congenital Heart Center, Wally is here with us today. This is a small way for me to give back and help bring awareness to CHD.
The walk itself is an outdoor, family-friendly event that celebrates the heart heroes in our community while raising awareness and funds to support children and adults living with congenital heart defects. It’s a fun, uplifting, non-competitive way to come together; whether that’s with coworkers, friends, family, or your wider community for a life-saving cause.
So whether you give $10 or $100, your session will help support patients and families through education, programs, and events at the OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois Congenital Heart Center.
If you’ve been looking for a fun excuse to finally get in front of the camera... what a better way than to support a good cause?
For more details about pay what you can minis, to book your spot or to donate; links are in the comments 😁