Fundraising overview:
This event is a passion project, founded and directed, by Carmen David after surviving an aortic dissection in May 2015, 22hrs after the birth of her second daughter. Run for Aortic Health raises funds specifically earmarked for research to be sent to The John Ritter Foundation for their research program (JRRP), and other related research studies and initiatives for Aortic Aneurysm and Aortic Dissection; This crucial work paves the way for aortic disease to be better understood and managed. This event also helps to educate others on the risk factors and symptoms of aortic disease in order to save lives from premature death due to these conditions. And through research and related initiatives we support, we aim improve the lives of patients on this journey.
The race is a main fundraising event, but coupled with selling awareness merchandise and individual donations, we raise a generous amount in order to help the mission of saving and improving lives of those affected by aortic disease. We couldn’t do that without your help and participation; we send you our sincerest thank you.
2016 – Donations alone to the foundation after the Founder/Race Director of Run for Aortic Health survived an aortic dissection in May 2015. Our sincerest thank you for your love and support.
$15,113.43
2017 – What started initially to fund a pregnancy related aortic dissection video, turned into a fundraiser to the John Ritter Foundation’s research program (JRRP) after a local hospital took on the awareness video pro bono, leaving funds to be sent to research. You can view that video by clicking here.
$7,113.50 – Total to JRRP for the year
2018 – It was a successful year two for the run as the number of participants increased and more were educated about aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection along the way.
$15,540 – Total to JRRP for the year
2019 – We met our goal and had over 200 registrants! This year we took it up a notch to get our participants great tech shirts too!
$8,770- Total to JRRP for the year
2020 – Boy! 2020 was a crazy year for races, and everything! But even with all the uncertainty, we still had close to 200 registrants participate in our unusual “semi-virtual” physical setup or virtually participate. We had a hugely successful year thanks to you all!!
$19,200 Total to JRRP for the year
2021 – We met our 250 participant goal AND were able to send a whopping $21,000 off to research this year! We spread our funds this year between The JRRP, an Aortic Dissection in pregnancy/postpartum research study, and an exercise study for aortic dissection patients.
$21,000 Total to JRRP and related research studies
2022 – Let’s celebrate!!! This year we reached our highest participant number with 272 registered! Giving $14,000 this year, we met our TOTAL giving goal of $100,000 since the beginning of this journey!! (2016 fundraising + 6 annual events) Thank you all for your support!
$14,000 Total to JRRP and related research studies/initiatives
Along with sending funds for research this year, we sent some proceeds to another important mission: helping navigate patients on this journey. This life threatening condition can be overwhelming to learn about. A majority of patients leave the hospital not understanding what really happened, or why. They have tons of questions, that most times, a single appointment slot does not allow time to ask/answer. Patients need guidance and resources to help them navigate it all. So, funds were allocated for a Patient Guide booklet that has been impactful in the UK, and it will be ready for US distribution soon, helping improve the education and mental wellness of the patient from the start of their journey.
2023 – We had a fantastic overall turnout, with nearly as many virtual participants as physical participants! Reaching our highest single gift amount yet, we were able to send off an incredible $25,000 to research this year!! We spread our funds this year between JRRP, an Aortic Dissection in pregnancy/postpartum research study, and the exercise study for aortic dissection patients.
$25,000 Total to JRRP and related research studies
2024 – We had a new route, shade, cold towels, a 360 camera, breakfast tacos, fantastic awards and raffle, and more! What a fun Run for Aortic Health! We exceeded our participant goal and crushed it with over 470 participants (physical and virtual)!! Not only that, but we exceeded last year’s proceeds by a bit as well! This year we were able to send off $25,268 to research and related studies!!
We continue to give to JRRP (genetic research), and give funding to researchers working on pregnancy/post partum and exercise related studies. Patients are our passion. We give toward these top topics so that not only are lives able to be saved, but through such research, patients are better guided to safely living their most optimal life going forward. Thank you all for the impact you are making for those affected by aortic disease.
$25,268 Total to JRRP and related research studies
2025 – Each year, we’re blown away by the support and generosity of our community – and each year, we’ve been able to give more than the last. We’re proud ( and humbled) to share that in 2025, Run for Aortic Health was able to send off a record-breaking $31,500 – our highest total yet!
This incredible achievement is only possible because of you — our runners, donors, volunteers, and supporters. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.
$31,500 Total to JRRP/research studies, and Hope Mail & Care Packages via Aortic Hope.
2026 – We reached new heights yet again this year! Approximately $40,000 will be sent off for aortic research! We will spread our funds this year between The JRRP (genetics), a vEDS research study, and a new exercise study out of UT Southwestern for aortic patients. All via The John Ritter Foundation.
This year we had several teams honoring lost loved ones, but for Team Andrea, we will restrict funds for vEDS (Vascular Ehlers Danlos Syndrome) research as a tribute to her (passed from an aortic dissection due to vEDS). The remaining funds will go toward a new study for exercise with aortic disease. This new study will be more invasive, for a higher level athlete, and will further challenge current guidelines. The hope is further change in AHA guidelines for the betterment of aortic patients, improving their quality of life and helping patients thrive on their journeys. We want patients to live a safe, active lifestyle with the backing of scientific research. We are again humbled by your generosity and participation in support of those affected by aortic disease.
Since the beginning, we have sent off over $220,000! Thank you! These funds are seed money for research beginnings. Beginnings that lead to grants, then larger grants, then publications from the research, and then…CHANGE! Thank you for saving and improving lives alongside us.
**Each year it takes a lot of work, incredible volunteers, your participation, and the generosity of sponsors to make this growing race a success. Remember, we measure success in the people we reach in spreading awareness, advocating for patients, AND in the proceeds we can send off for crucial research/initiatives…because all of those together can help prevent unnecessary suffering, and help those affected live their most optimal life.
RUN FOR AORTIC HEALTH 