Hundreds of South Texas families walking to battle heart defects in children

Max Rocha looked like a healthy newborn when he came into the world. Because of prenatal screening, however, his parents knew Max had a rare condition with multiple heart defects and would soon need surgery.

Dr. Aaron Abarbanell, chief of pediatric cardiac surgery at University Health and UT Health San Antonio, says that three decades ago the medical community didn’t have the necessary knowledge to successfully treat complicated cases like Max’s. But because of research that has led to improved treatments, 16-month-old Max is now on a path to healthy development following two surgeries.

This Sunday, Max, his brother, and parents will join thousands of families nationally and hundreds in South Texas at the annual Congenital Heart Walk, organized by the Children’s Heart Foundation. They’ll be walking to raise money for research that may lead to the prevention and improved treatment of structural heart problems that develop before birth. Since its founding in 1996, the Children’s Heart Foundation has funded nearly $18 million in congenital heart research.

In 2023, San Antonio had the largest group of walkers in the country for the event. This year local supporters hope to beat that record and raise at least $85,000 locally for research.

Come meet the little Heart Warriors who are bravely battling heart problems, and the families of Heart Angels who are walking in memory of the children they lost. They are all making a difference in the lives of children born with congenital heart defects.