Have you heard yet? The 2nd Annual 5K for Aidan J. Run/Walk event is less than three weeks away! And runner’s spots are going fast (only 50 "regular" runner spots left)!

Have you heard yet? The second annual 5K for Aidan J. Run/Walk event is less than three weeks away! And runner’s spots are going fast (only 50 “regular” runner spots left)! 

On September 4, 2010, Aidan Joseph Silva, a first grade student at Brandywine Wallace Elementary School in Downingtown, PA, died unexpectedly from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). Sudden Cardiac Arrest affects 16 children and young adults each day in the United States. Many of these cardiac arrests are caused by detectable structural defects or arrhythmias, yet heart screenings are not yet a standard of care at routine pediatric visits. The Silva family has joined the efforts of the Parent Heart Watch organization, which is the national voice of SCA and is comprised of families who have experienced the loss of a child from SCA. The intentions of the Silva family are to make Downingtown and local communities “Heart Safe” for all kids and young adults. To raise funds for continued free heart screening events and for the purchase of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for area youth athletic leagues, the Silva family will be hosting its 2nd annual 5K for Aidan J. Run/Walk event on Saturday, June 9th in Kerr Park/Struble Trail. To register for the event or to make a donation, please visit www.5KforAidanJ.com.

Last year’s 5K event was attended by 900 people and raised $38,000– part of which was used to fund free heart screening events held at Downingtown West High School in December and February. Over 500 community kids, ages 5-19, received ECG exams (and echocardiograms when warranted). Each screening event incurs costs up to $10,000. In order to keep checking kids’ hearts and protecting our community, we need your help. Consider registering for the event or sending a donation. And spread the word!

This year’s event features:
— CHIP TIMING FOR ALL RUNNERS!
— Two waves of runners: Elite (under 23 minutes) and Regular (there is a limit of 150 runners per event, so sign up soon!)
— 1 Mile Fun Walk in the park
— Kids Races! Kids dash up to 100m and all who finish receive a beautiful medal!

There will also be a raffle featuring amazing prizes! Bring cash!

All proceeds will go towards:
1. Providing more free heart screenings for the local community
(Approximately 1 out of every 100 kids screened are found to have a potentially life-threatening heart condition. ECG/EKGs detect nearly 80% of structural defects and arrhythmias, yet are not currently offered as part of standard pediatric care.)

2. Purchasing Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for area youth athletic leagues
(The chances of survival for a Sudden Cardiac Arrest victim who receives both CPR and AED therapy within the first 5 minutes are nearly 70%, as opposed to less than 5% without AED therapy. Currently, our area recreational youth athletic leagues do not have any AEDs and are unprepared to successfully manage a sudden cardiac event.)

Help make Downingtown area communities “Heart Safe” by participating in these efforts! Register or donate online today at www.5KforAidanJ.com!

“Like” the 5K for Aidan J. Facebook page to stay informed! https://www.facebook.com/ pages/5K-for-Aidan-J.

Want to know more about the Silvas story? Visit: www.AidanJosephSilva.blogspot.com. Want to know more about Sudden Cardiac Arrest? Visit www.ParentHeartWatch.org for more information. 

Donations can be made out to “Parent Heart Watch” with “5K for Aidan J.” in the memo line and mailed to: 5K for Aidan J., P.O. Box 77258, Thorndale, PA 19372.

We thank you for your continued support! Hope to see you on the 9th!


Thank you,
Christy and Steve Silva
Aidan’s parents