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 A congenital heart defect survivor is pedaling his bike across America, beginning June 8, 2010, to raise awareness about congenital heart defects, celebrate children impacted by heart defects, and raise $100,000 in new research dollars for the Children’s Heart Foundation (CHF).
"BIKE 4 CHF" - the journey of Nels Matson, 27, of Bradenton, Fla.—is the first fundraiser of its kind for the Children’s Heart Foundation, a national non-profit that funds the most promising research to learn more about congenital heart defects (CHDs), the number-one birth defect in America, which affects 40,000 births every year and one in every 100 newborns.
Matson will ride his road bike 3,709 miles, from Santa Monica, Calif., to New York, N.Y., from June 8 to July 20, 2010, averaging 100 miles per day. Along his route, Matson will meet up with and ride alongside Children’s Heart Foundation supporters of all ages in 15 states and encourage them to donate to CHF through his Web site, www.athletes4heart.com.
The Children’s Heart Foundation has named Matson its first ever "KID 4 CHF," in honor of Matson’s service to congenital heart defect awareness and fundraising in his BIKE 4 CHF ride. CHF defines KIDS 4 CHF as children who have been diagnosed with a CHD and provide hope and inspiration to other kids and families facing a diagnosis. KIDS 4 CHF are also children who were diagnosed with a CHD at birth and have since passed away.
"Nels Matson’s story resonates with people across the country—particularly with children and families who have lived, or are living, with CHDs," said Megan Van Pelt, president of the Children’s Heart Foundation. "He’s a walking, running and biking example of perseverance and proof that nothing is impossible for these kids."
Nels will be crossing Nebraska and Iowa on the following dates:
Friday (6/25): McCook, NE
Saturday (6/26): Holdredge, NE
Sunday (6/27): Sutton, NE
Monday (6/28): Lincoln, NE (Rest)
Tuesday (6/29): Lincoln, NE
Wednesday (6/30): Omaha, NE
Thursday (7/1): Atlantic, IA
Friday (7/2): Des Moines, IA
Saturday (7/3): Iowa City, IA
Sunday (7/4): Davenport, IA
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