CINCINNATI (WKRC) – One of the families participating in this year’s Heart Mini is on a mission to raise awareness about heart disease in children. They share what they’ve learned on their personal journeys.

Close to 20,000 people are expected to participate in the American Heart Association’s Heart Mini Run and Walk this weekend. The Hansen family shares a heartfelt message of hope and courage.

Every race needs hope and courage, as Tom and Kat Hansen discovered when their son Harding was born with a congenital heart defect.

“Back in 2014, I was pregnant with Harding and went for a routine ultrasound to find out the gender, and I was so excited to find out he was a boy. But that excitement kind of flipped a switch.”When doctors told him he had some serious heart defects and would need at least three open-heart surgeries, “Kat Hansen said.

The family recently appeared on “What’s Happening in Health” (5:30-7 a.m. Sundays on Local 12) and appeared behind the book “Hope and Courage” written by Tom and Kat Hansen. shared what it is and why it is the name of their book. Heart mini team.

“That was a big push for us to launch the platform. We call it ‘Hope and Courage’ because we believe that’s what parents need most. Congenital heart disease is the most common birth defect among infants. Approximately 1 in 100 children are born with some type of heart defect.”Tom Hansen he said.

Harding’s older sister, Audrey, is often his best friend and advocate.

“Normally a lot of people would get tough on him and say why he’s like a bastard, why he’s beat up. It’s like he has a congenital heart condition. I’m more energetic than you think,” said 11-year-old Audrey.

Harding is now 9 years old and doing well. He gets to do what many other kids do.

“I’m practicing golf with my dad, and I just signed up for track and field, and I practiced for track and field yesterday,” he said.

Funds raised through Heart Minis change the lives of families like the Hansens, and the hope and courage they show everyone.

“We love to celebrate the success stories of survivors, and thanks to our team raising money through the Heart Association, funded research is helping families who receive a surprising diagnosis when their child is ill. , it’s so meaningful to see that we’re seeing more positive outcomes for people who are born with heart defects,” said Rachel McCarthy of the American Heart Association.

If you are interested, please apply by the time the event starts. click here.