5 Years Old Connor was born with a heart defect and needed two open-heart surgeries in the first 5 months of his life. By 10 months, he was placed on the heart transplant list, and luckily, received his donor heart within a week. Due to his extra-special heart, Connor can't play any contact sports. The work of the American Heart Association is very important to Connor's family as the research helps to provided new medications that add to Connor's quality of life due to his transplanted heart.

10 Years Old Reichen had a stroke when his mom was still pregnant with him. Once he was born, Reichen needed some extra help since the right side of his body is a little weaker. He wears a special brace on his right foot and has needed two surgeries to help his right foot and leg work a little better. Now Reichen is 11 and stays healthy by playing flag football, basketball and baseball to help his right side get stronger. Reichen supports the American Heart Association to help raise awareness of childhood stroke and heart problems for kids around the world.

5 Years Old Elijah was born with a heart defect and suffered his first heart attack when he was only 1 month old. Despite being removed from the transplant list, Elijah, is in great condition and visits his cardiologist twice every year. Like many 5-year-olds, Elijah plays tee-ball and enjoys superheroes, especially Transformers. Elijah's parents say he is full of personality and spunk and lights up every room he walks in.

At just six days old, Braxton had his first open heart surgery to help fix his multiple heart defects including hypoplastic left heart syndrome, aortic atresia and a ventricular septal defect. His second surgery was just six months later. Today, Braxton is 6 years old and will need parts of his special heart changed out every 5 to 10 years - but that doesn't stop him from living a full and busy life! He loves sports and plays baseball, basketball and soccer. Braxton also enjoys spending time with his family and friends.

When Alayna Mitchell's mom, Jessica, was pregnant, Alayna had a stroke in utero. This caused Alayna to develop periventricular leukomalacia and cerebral palsy. Despite the challenges brought on by her stroke, Alayna continues to learn at a normal rate. Now five years old and living in Louisville, Alayna may never be able to walk again, but her family says she is making positive progress and continues to have a smile on her face.

9 Years Old Naya was born with a congenital heart defect called hypo-plastic left heart syndrome which means her smaller heart has to work for her whole body. She has needed eight open-heart surgeries to help her special heart work the best it can. Even though the surgeries have been hard, Naya stays positive knowing they help make her heart work better. Now 10-years-old, Naya likes ballet, horseback riding, playing games and making crafts. Naya likes the Kids Heart Challenge because she can exercise with her friends while helping the American Heart Association raise money to help kids' hearts get better.

When Ann's mom was 22 weeks pregnant, she learned her daughter had a heart defect called aortic stenosis hypo-plastic left heart syndrome. Ann has had three open heart surgeries which have saved her life. Now she's doing great and likes to hang out with her friends, listen to music and spend time on the lake. Ann's family supports the American Heart Association and thanks everyone participating in events like the Kids Heart Challenge because they increase awareness for kids like Ann born with heart complications.

Gabe was born with only half of a heart and needed three surgeries to help his special heart work. While he sometimes tires out a little faster than other kids, Gabe doesn't let that slow him down. He likes to play golf and baseball and he enjoys fishing and taking his dog for a walk. He also plays Minecraft and "freeze tag" with his friends. At school, Gabe's favorite activity is P.E. which helps his special heart stay healthy. Gabe also participates in the Kids Heart Challenge because he likes that other kids learn about his heart and want to help more kids like him.

Anthony was born with two congenital heart defects which have required two open-heart surgeries. His heart had 4 holes in it and some of his arteries were too small for the right amount of blood to flow through them. After the surgeries, Anthony has been feeling much better and can do everything like a normal kid - just with a special heart. Anthony loves playing with his friends and catching Pokemons. Anthony likes everyone to know that jumping rope during the Kids Heart Challenge is fun and keeps you healthy!