Racing to the beat

When Tomy’Ra Lowe’s son was born in 2009 with a severe congenital heart defect, her family began running a gauntlet of major surgeries, extended hospital stays, and fear for his future. Even after he was able to return home, she couldn’t shake the feeling that she wanted to help other families who were experiencing the same challenges her family had.

Last year, Tomy’Ra started the Warrior Hearts Foundation to provide encouragement and assistance to children with congenital heart defects and their families. And for the foundation’s first major fundraising event, she chose to host the Warrior Hearts Race to the Beat 5K at Overton Park.

The event, which was staged in September at Rainbow Lake Pavilion, featured a DJ, giveaways, prizes, and a table where participants could write encouraging words to patients and families. Tomy’Ra worked with the Conservancy’s Visitor Services Coordinator, Fields Falcone, to choose a course for the race that wound through the Old Forest. “Our guests were so happy with the shaded route,” Tomy’Ra says. “It was so peaceful and enjoyable, and such a great fit for our event.”

That afternoon in the park provided funds that will allow the foundation to purchase gifts of teddy bears and blankets for children, help with meals, and assist with room and board for families traveling from out of town to visit a child in the hospital. The Warrior Hearts Foundation is one of many nonprofits that bring supporters to the park to gather and make a difference in the community. “It was a great experience,” Tomy’Ra says. “We’ll definitely be back next year!”