Two Feet & A Heartbeat 2026 News Clipping:
Originally posted 20/10/2026 in the Frankston Times
Link here
By Raia Flinos
A WALK to raise funds and awareness for those impacted by childhood-onset heart disease (CoHD) will take place at Ballam Park Primary School on 24 October.
Two Feet & A Heartbeat will bring together the community to celebrate milestones, remember those whose lives have been lost, raise awareness, and vital funds.
All funds will go towards HeartKids, a national organisation that provides information, support, connection, and advocacy to those impacted by CoHD.
Among those participating will be Jade Moore and her three-year-old son Jackson.
Jackson was diagnosed during pregnancy with double inlet left ventricle, hypoplastic aortic arch, and congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries.
“He was born with a complex heart defect and underwent five surgeries before he was 11 months old, the first one being at 10 days old,” said Moore.
“If you met him, you’d never realise.”
Moore said their initial reaction was heartbreak and fear, but Jackson is incredibly strong and resilient.
“He’s now a happy three-year-old boy just like any of his other friends,” said Moore.
She said they met HeartKids in the ICU when Jackson was two weeks old.
“They came up to introduce themselves and ask if we needed anything, like resources or someone just to listen to us,” said Moore.
“And every time we’ve been in hospital, the ladies in the hospital have always been so helpful, allowing us to have time outside the hospital room, or they look after Jackson, or help with our older child.”
She said the hospital can be quite isolating at times and it’s nice to have a friendly face around.
Moore said this will be their third year participating in the annual Two Feet & A Heartbeat walk. “It’s just a big community day, and everyone’s there for the same reason,” said Moore.
“We all support each other and share stories of our children and the children that have passed away from congenital heart defects.”
Moore said it is a chance to gather with others and understand you’re not alone. She said there is still a lot more research needed for heart defects.
“The conditions my son has, the surgeries that are giving him the best chance of life, have only started being performed in the last 20 years,” said Moore.
“It’s about trying to figure out how to better maximise the outcomes for these children, and what procedures work better and all that.”
Moore said there are many people cheering for these children and who want to see them succeed in life.
“A congenital heart defect doesn’t define these children,” said Moore.
HeartKids CEO Samantha Glastonbury said Two Feet & A Heartbeat is an opportunity for the community to come together and stand together.
“Every heart has a story. 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,” said Glastonbury.
“Whether you are a heart kid, heart adult, heart parent, grandparent, sibling, friend, supporter, healthcare professional or someone walking in memory of a loved one, this day is for you. We invite everyone to join us as one big heart community this October. Every step honours a heart story, and every heartbeat reminds us why we walk.”
