Stacey Haskins founded Heart and Sole Inc. in 2006 in memory of her niece Margaret Bowen McElreath.
Bowen, as she was called, was born July 5, 2005, to Ms. Haskins' sister and brother-in-law, Carrie and Ben McElreath, of Macon, Ga. Bowen was born with a heart condition and was transferred after a few days to the Medical College of Georgia Children's Medical Center.
She died 10 days later.
"I wanted to help other little children in her memory," Ms. Haskins said. "A year after she passed away, I wanted to donate money but I didn't have the funds to just write a check to MCG. So I brainstormed and I came up with Heart and Sole Inc."
Last year, the nonprofit organization held its inaugural 5K Run/Walk and Evening Celebration with the goal of helping children in the MCG Children's Medical Center's heart program.
"I started with the 5K run and walk because we are raising money for the children's heart program and at the same time we are doing something for our own heart by running or walking," she said.
Nearly 500 people participated last year, and the organization presented a $30,000 check to the program.
This year's events will be held Saturday, March 8, with the 5K Run/Walk starting in front of the MCG Children's Medical Center. The honorary runner will be Dr. Robyn Hatley, who was Bowen's surgeon.
The evening celebration will be held at Enterprise Mill and will feature entertainment by Soul Dimensions.
"One of the big things we want to do this year is help fund Camp Strong Hearts for children who have heart conditions and may not be able to go to regular camp," Ms. Haskins said.
Knowing that the organization is helping other children is rewarding, she said.
"It's a bittersweet thing. Some people don't realize this, but when you have a loss, you feel a need to give back," she said. "So when you walk in the hospital, knowing that you have helped other children, it's the most amazing feeling in the world."
To get more information about Heart and Sole Inc, visit www.heartandsoleinc.org.
Reach Nikasha Dicks at (706) 823-3336 or nikasha.dicks@augustachronicle.com.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Heart and Sole 5K Run/Walk
WHEN: 9 a.m. Saturday, March 8
WHERE: MCG Children's Medical Center
REGISTRATION: $20 until Feb. 22; $25 after. People may register online at www.heartandsoleinc.org, by submitting the form from a brochure (which can be printed from the Web site), or register the day of the event.
INFORMATION: www.heartandsoleinc.org
WHAT: Evening Celebration
WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday, March 8
WHERE: Enterprise Mill, 1450 Greene St.
COST: $50; open only to 21 and older; tickets must be purchased by March 1 if purchased by mail or by March 5 if purchased online.
INFORMATION: www.heartandsoleinc.org
The Augusta Chronicle ©2012. All Rights Reserved.
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