Nov. 1, 2004

The UNC men's and women's track and field teams, in conjunction with the North Carolina Children's Heart Center, will host the Run for the Kids November 6. The event will begin with a 5K race at 9 a.m. followed by a family fun run at 10 a.m. Entry fees are $25 prior to race day, $30 on Saturday and $15 for students.

This event, which will raise money to fight congenital heart disease in children, is being run at five University of North Carolina system universities - UNC, Appalachian State, Charlotte, UNC Wilmington and NC A&T.

Congenital heart disease affects approximately one out of every 100 children. Problems can range from holes in the walls of the heart to heart chambers or valves that are underdeveloped or completely missing. In many instances congenital heart defects can be diagnosed before the baby is born. Fortunately, many of these problems can now be corrected with surgery or medical intervention. Advances in technology have allowed these children to live normal lives.

In an effort to help these children and their families, the North Carolina Children's Heart Center (NCCHC) has been established. The goal of the center is to provide a center of excellence for the care of children with heart disease. The focus of the NCCHC is to promote, facilitate and foster highly-sophisticated, multidisciplinary and specialized treatment of children with heart disease. In addition, the center will assist children and their families with continuity of care from diagnosis through treatment through follow-up.

To register for the event, visit www.unckids.com, or contact Christine Cotton at 919-966-4601.