The Aplin family will be one of thousands across NSW and the country walking to raise awareness and money for HeartKids later this month.
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Two Feet and a Heartbeat is a fundraising walk in support of children with congenital heart disease, and the Orange-based Aplin family will be walking alongside them.
The distances are 4km or 8km to recognise the eight babies who are born with the condition each day. The event also pays tribute to those who have lost their lives to congenital heart disease, affectionately known as Heart Angels.
Carter Aplin was diagnosed with a heart disease at just five days old, with his first open heart surgery at four weeks, with two more major surgeries and six others in the 14 years since.
He's now finished surgeries for now, but it's something mum Mardi said played on her mind.
"It's always in the back of your mind. He's quite okay with explosive stuff but long-distance stuff is a bit harder," she said.
The Aplins have had plenty to do with HeartKids in the last 14 years, raising over $100,000 in that time, in large part through the HeartKids Cup run by the Orange Netball Association and Netball NSW, in which Mrs Aplin plays a big role in both.
She said it was to help country children and their families cope with heart disease.
"All the surgery is done in Sydney and while it's tough for everyone, for families in the bush it can become a bit expensive," she said.
Carter, who's 14, has never known any difference.
"I play sport and stuff like most, still do it but I get puffed out quicker than a lot of other people," he said.
He's played soccer since he was five, and has added basketball and cricket to the sporting CV since - learning to live with his condition.
"In cricket there's not as much running, soccer and basketball there can be but I put my hand up and come off when I need to," Carter said.
He said he was looking forward to going for the walk and raising awareness.
"It helps to know some of the other Heart Kids, helps you feel a bit more normal," he said.
HeartKids state manager Holly Williams said the programs provide essential support services for thousands of families nationwide.
"Programs ... help families feel less isolated, navigate their new normal and build resilience, so they are less reliant on the medical system."
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Max Stainkamph
Max joined the CWD in September 2017, leaving the big smoke of Melbourne to come to Orange, where he stayed until 2020.
Max joined the CWD in September 2017, leaving the big smoke of Melbourne to come to Orange, where he stayed until 2020.
