CHaD kid Ainsley is this year’s Kid HERO, representing the kids who benefit from the programs funded by events like the CHaD HERO.

LEBANON – On National Superhero Day last week, Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock (CHaD) sent out the call for HEROES to put on its capes for the kids at CHaD. HEROES are wanted for the 2021 CHaD HERO, the largest annual fundraiser to support CHaD, scheduled for a hybrid format beginning the week of Sept. 19.

After being designated to a virtual format in 2020, this year’s HERO event will be highlighted by an in-person 5K run to cap off HERO week on Sunday, Sept. 26. The in-person component will take place on the beautiful Dartmouth Green in downtown Hanover, N.H., contingent upon guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state and local officials, Dartmouth College and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health at the time of the event.

HERO Week begins Sunday, Sept. 19 with all other HERO elements taking place virtually. These events include the marquee half-marathon as well as virtual walking, hiking, and biking options. Participants may also undertake their own virtual quest. The options for these HEROES are endless, from hiking the Appalachian Trail to racing across New Hampshire to settling in for a virtual read-a-thon. Virtual events can be completed anytime, anywhere from Sept. 19-26.

Registration fees for the in-person 5K run are $15 for youth (17 and under) and $30 for adults (18 and older). Virtual registration fees are $10 for youth and $20 for adults.

The HERO committee is once again waiving fundraising minimums due to the hybrid format but they encourage participants to continue to raise money for kids like Ainsley, this year’s Kid HERO. Shortly after her birth, Ainsley became a CHaD patient when doctors discovered a congenital heart condition requiring open heart surgery. Despite countless procedures and appointments, Ainsley is a thriving, energetic five-year-old who loves dancing, riding her bike and camping and the outdoors. HEROES can learn more about Ainsley’s story on the HERO blog.

The 2020 HERO raised over $530,000 to support programs that CHaD families rely on every day. This includes the Child Life Program, which helps children and their families acclimate to the healthcare environment and to navigate challenging situations; CAPP, which provides services to suspected victims of child abuse across the region; and the Complex Care Program, which supports children with complex medical needs and their families.

Additional HERO details and registration information is available at CHaDHERO.org.

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