Community rallies in Peoria for 2025 Heart of Illinois Congenital Heart Defect Walk
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — The 2025 Heart of Illinois Congenital Heart Defect Walk brought together families, friends, and supporters this weekend at the Peoria Riverfront.
People in attendance shared one common goal: to raise awareness and funding for CHD, a life-threatening condition that affects thousands of children and adults across the country.
Pam McMahon, co-chair of the event, emphasized the importance of coming together to support one another and raise awareness.
'We want everybody to come down, enjoy the interaction and the camaraderie with others, and just enjoy a day that is not in the hospital or in the clinic or worrying about what you're going through,' McMahon said.
Held along the scenic Peoria Riverfront, the event attracted 28 teams who participated in the one-mile walk and collectively raised more than $40,000 to support CHD research and advocacy efforts.
She added that the walk provides an important opportunity for connection.
'It gives families a chance to interact with other families that are going through the same thing that they are. We have a lot of our physicians and providers here today, and they get to see them outside of the office, so they get to interact on a more personal level,' she said.
Before the walk kicked off, the riverfront was filled with energy and emotion as dozens gathered to take part in family-friendly activities and listen to heartfelt testimonies from families living with congenital heart defects. Many shared their personal stories of struggle, resilience and hope, creating a strong sense of community and purpose.
Although the walk has ended, fundraising efforts continue. Donations will be accepted throughout the month of June to further support CHD research and patient support programs.
For more information or to contribute, visit the Heart of Illinois Congenital Heart Walk's website.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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