Event Description
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
The Tiny Tickers Trot is not just a race; it's a celebration of community, health, and heart. Here's what you can expect:
A Scenic 5k Course: Enjoy a picturesque route that winds through Bidwell Park, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and urban charm. Family-Friendly Atmosphere: This event is designed for people of all ages and fitness levels. Whether you're a seasoned runner or a leisurely walker, you're welcome to join in the fun. Heartfelt Stories: Hear inspiring stories from adolescents whose lives have been positively impacted by Heart Felt's cardiac screenings. Sponsorship Opportunities: Become a sponsor and showcase your commitment to the community's heart health while enjoying numerous benefits and exposure for your organization.
ABOUT HEART FELT
Heartfelt provides cardiac screening in order to save lives from preventable tragedies due to Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD). Echocardiograms (ECHO) and Electrocardiograms (ECG/EKG) are offered for a nominal donation, per screening. Heartfelt screens students, athletes, adults, and kids, ages 5 & up.
In 2021, Heartfelt reached an incredible milestone, having screened a total of 55,000 adults and children. Heartfelt’s screening events have resulted in approximately 6,600 individuals being referred for further evaluation, and over 1,000 lives have been saved. In addition, data from these screenings have been published and utilized for research purposes.
MEET JETT!
At just 10 days old, Jett was diagnosed with a rare and complex heart condition known as Ventricular Tachycardia, which disrupts the heart’s electrical pathways. His first year was a harrowing journey of life flights, hospital stays, and numerous medication adjustments. Seeking a lasting solution, we made the difficult decision to proceed with a cardiac ablation procedure.
However, Jett’s case proved to be even more exceptional. His type of Ventricular Tachycardia, identified as Fascicular VT, was extraordinarily rare. Rather than a standard, few-hour procedure, Jett’s ablation involved 17 different sites and extended to nearly nine hours of surgery. The complexity of his condition led to numerous complications. Jett bravely endured cardiac shock and metabolic acidosis, requiring a prolonged intubation of five days and a 10-day stay in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). He also needed a blood transfusion and an extensive range of medications.
Just 20 days after leaving the PICU, a casual day at the park took a dramatic turn. Jett suffered a cardiac arrest, and thanks to the timely intervention of an off-duty firefighter performing CPR, he was saved. This incident led to the discovery of a left ventricular pseudoaneurysm, a rare but serious complication of his earlier ablation, necessitating immediate emergency open heart surgery at UC Davis.
Through all these challenges, Jett has been nothing short of a miracle. Celebrating his second birthday in October 2023, his resilience and courage continue to inspire us every day. Our journey is a testament to the incredible advances in pediatric cardiac care and the urgent need for continued research and support in this field.
