Joshua had his first open-heart surgery as a newborn. His parents had been told their out-of-pocket expenses would be capped at $3,000. However, they wound up owing $80,000 because some of the life-saving care he needed was out of their insurance plan's provider network.

Now, six years and two surgeries later, they're still $40,000 in debt. That's on top of the $900 monthly premium they pay for health insurance.

It's a scary story -- and if Congress doesn't enact meaningful health care reform for the patients who need it, it will keep happening again and again. We need your help to make sure Congress knows about the outrageous costs that heart and stroke patients face in our current health care system.

Will you help? Send Joshua's story to your lawmakers to show them just how urgently we need health care reform. CLICK HERE TO HELP

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Thank you to all our walkers, donors and volunteers who have accepted the challenge to help fight heart disease and stroke. We cannot achieve our mission without each one of you!

The 2009 Start! Peninsula Heart Walk was an AMAZING success thanks to our exceptional Chair - Mr. Bill Ermatinger, our outstanding leadership team, sponsors, and thousands of fundraising walkers! Special recognition and appreciation goes out to Ferguson and Riverside Health System for being the Peninsula's Cause Partners for the past 3 years!

The 2009 Start! South Hampton Roads Heart Walk was an AMAZING success thanks to our fantastic Chair - Mr. Jerry Bridges, our outstanding leadership team, sponsors, and thousands of fundraising walkers! Special recognition and appreciation goes out to Anthem for their continued support for over 30 years!

For more information please contact your Start! Heart Walk Team
Kim, Melissa or Rebecca
at 757-628-2619
or via email at startwalk.hamptonroadsva@heart.org