1 in 100: The Day We Walked

There are days that mark milestones, and there are days that quietly change you. September 21 was both.

Today wasn’t a race, and it wasn’t about pace. It was about showing up! Showing up for myself, for the 1 in 100 kids born with a congenital heart defect (like me), for my community, and for every family who has had to face the uncertainty I lived with.

From Vision to Reality

Back in early September, I shared why this walk matters; that 1 in 100 are born with a CHD, that many don’t even know it, and that awareness, early detection, and funding can change lives. 

This walk was the first of its kind in Yellowknife, and the NWT. I wanted to use this walk as a kickoff point for something bigger to come. So I did an open invite to the community and I invited people I knew to join in, to walk, to donate, to talk, to share. 

So, we put on shoes, stepped onto the path, and we walked.

We gathered at Somba K’e Park in Yellowknife on a beautiful afternoon for a 3 km adventure. It was family friendly for all ages and all health levels. I had only recently hit 5km for myself and Vic was 8 months pregnant, so that really set the tone, haha.  

What struck me most wasn’t the distance, but the people. Friends, neighbours, strangers, family all walking with a shared cause.

Some walked in support. Some carried stories of their own health battles. Some walked to remember loved ones. Others walked because they believe in early screening and hope.

Every step felt like a pulse: quiet, deliberate, with purpose.

Why It Matters

That “1 in 100” isn’t just a statistic. It’s real people, living life, often unaware of what’s inside.

Many won’t show signs until it’s too late. That’s why awareness is so critical. That’s why people need to advocate, push for tests, and demand answers.

If one person reads my story and asks for an echo, or if one parent pushes their child’s doctor for checks, then this walk achieved more than just distance. It created potential for prevention, for saving lives.

A Moment That Hit Me

Midway through the walk, I glanced over and saw my boys walking next to me. Zach with his calm, steady presence, Jake giggling and doing his best to keep up. They don’t fully understand everything I’ve been through this year (Zach definitely does more so than Jake). But they know their dad’s heart is different. And that they may have it too. So we need to make sure we get them tested, and hopefully what we are doing will help others too.

That moment stopped me. Because this isn’t just my journey, it’s ours. The path we walk together as a family, as a community.

Moving Forward

The walk may have ended, but the mission continues.

I’ll keep speaking up for congenital heart disease, for the 1 in 100, for early screening, especially in northern and remote communities where we have less access than everyone else.

I’ll keep showing up, not out of obligation, but out of gratitude for being given another chance.

To everyone who walked, donated, shared, THANK YOU. You helped give voice to a cause that so often goes unheard.

We walked for the 1 in 100.

And we’ll keep walking until every heart gets the attention and care it deserves.