Two Feet & A Heartbeat 2026 News Clipping:
Originally posted 16/10/2026 in the Geelong times
A Geelong family whose young daughter underwent life-saving heart surgery as a baby is encouraging locals to support HeartKids by taking part in the annual Two Feet & A Heartbeat community walk.
Four-year-old Willow was born prematurely with a congenital heart defect and underwent open-heart surgery before she was six months old.
Her parents, Kimberly and Micky, said the support they received from HeartKids was invaluable during those difficult early months.
“HeartKids introduced themselves to us when we were on the ward with Willow after she was born,” Kimberly said.
“They provided us with a friendly face, support and information. Over our journey with HeartKids, we have crossed paths with so many wonderful families with heart kids through the events and fundraisers we have attended and hosted.”
[Photo] Willow’s parents, Kimberly and Micky, said the support they received from HeartKids was invaluable. Photo: supplied.
Kimberly said sharing their story with other families experiencing childhood-onset heart disease (CoHD) has built an essential community for them and others.
About childhood heart disease
About 250,000 Australian children are living with CoHD, with eight babies born each day with a heart condition.
Two Feet & A Heartbeat brings together children and adults living with CoHD and their community to celebrate life milestones, remember those who have died, raise awareness of CoHD and raise funds for HeartKids to support families across Australia.
The funds raised help HeartKids provide information, hospital-based support, advocacy and opportunities for families to connect.
“Every heart has a story”
HeartKids chief executive Samantha Glastonbury said Two Feet & A Heartbeat was an opportunity for the HeartKids community to come together.
“Every heart has a story,” she said.
“Every person who walks with us is showing children, young people, adults and families impacted by childhood-onset heart disease that they are not walking this journey alone.”
In October, 27 walks will be held across the country, including Geelong’s event at Connewarre Memorial Hall on 18 October.
