Braden's Heart of Gold will once again be running and walking to make a difference in the lives of children who come from all over to seek the undivided care and attention  from one of the nation's top children's hospitals.  

Our son, Braden, was born on August 17th, 2006 with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome - a very rare and devastating heart defect.  After enduring two open heart surgeries before he was 4 months old, Braden marveled the doctors as he thrived for the next two years of his life.  Without the amazing doctors and nurses at CHW, we wouldn't have been able to witness and share all the precious moments Braden provided us in his short yet precious life.   Sadly, Braden earned his angel wings on March 17, 2009 due to a sudden heart arrythmia.  (You can read more on Braden's story by visiting www.babybradenpetska.blogspot.com )

Your support will help Children's continue to provide the top-notch care kids deserve.  Our contributions this year will be directed towards the Playroom of Hope to help build a playroom for patients and their families during their hospitalization at CHW.  Briggs & Al's Run & Walk for Children's Hospital is the oldest run & walk in the state of Wisconsin and one of the largest combined 8K events in the United States. Because of outstanding community support, corporate sponsorships and active pledgeraising, the event has raised more than $11 million over the past 32 years.

Thank you for helping to make a difference,

Stephanie, Rich, ^Braden^, and Owen Petska