This event celebrates the life of Cristian Acosta-Flores who passed away on September 1, 2014, one day shy of his 19th birthday. Cristian’s life was cut tragically short due to complications from an undiagnosed enlarged heart. His big heart always lent a hand, encouraged others, and cared deeply for those around him.
You made it happen in 2021! Watch the video!
2021 Title Sponsor
Your Commitment to Prevention Raised $50,000 in 2021!
Heartfelt gratitude to the Cristian’s Big Heart family, friends, race participants and sponsors for helping us to protect young hearts from Sudden Cardiac Arrest.
With early data showing COVID-19’s impact on heart health, your participation will help support SCA prevention resources for youth, parents, schools and medical practitioners. Proceeds will benefit:
• cardiac risk assessment resources, such as a new training module for medical practitioners,
• the development of SCA prevention curriculum for schools,
• the placement of AEDs and cardiac emergency response plans in schools and youth centers,
• and the eventual return of free youth heart screenings Fall 2021.
Cristian’s Big Heart 5K has raised
$240,000
and counting!
for sudden cardiac arrest prevention in youth!
William and Tanya Cruz, Founders
“When we lost Cristian, we had no idea about the incidence of sudden cardiac arrest in youth,” said Tanya. “There’s nothing more devastating than losing a child, and we just didn’t want this to happen to another family.” The Cruz Family wanted to do more than raise awareness—they wanted to be part of a national movement to protect young hearts. They learned that sudden cardiac arrest could be prevented if we were more proactive in finding the undetected heart conditions that put youth at risk. Studies show the best way to detect heart conditions is with an EKG. But because they’re not part of standard youth exams, they decided to dedicate race proceeds to Screen Your Teen. “We’re committed to making a difference,” said William. “And until heart screenings are mandatory, we’re going to keep running!”