Hello friends, my name is Vanessa Orihuela and I walk for my daughter, Daphne. Daphne was born with congenital heart disease and passed away in my arms at just 9 days old. In those nine days, she showed me a love deeper than I ever imagined and a strength that continues to guide me every single day.

I’ve been part of The Children’s Heart Foundation Heart Walk for the past two years, and this year marks my third walk — each step taken with Daphne in my heart. I walk for her, for awareness, for hope, and for love. I walk so that no other family has to experience the unimaginable loss of a child to congenital heart disease.

This year is especially meaningful as The Children’s Heart Foundation celebrates 30 years of funding life-saving research. For three decades, CHF has been at the forefront of advancing the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of congenital heart defects — giving countless children more time, more birthdays, and more moments with the people who love them most.

This walk is more than an event to me. It is a promise. A promise to Daphne. A promise to future heart warriors. And a promise to families who are just beginning their CHD journey — that they are not alone.

My goal is to help make Phoenix a top Heart Walk city, to raise awareness about congenital heart disease, and to stand shoulder to shoulder with other heart families in this fight. Together, we can help fund the research that changes outcomes, saves lives, and turns heartbreak into hope.

If you are able, I warmly invite you to support my fundraising efforts. Every donation, every share, and every act of support truly makes a difference — not just for me, but for families everywhere who need answers, options, and hope.

Thank you for being here. Thank you for remembering Daphne. And thank you for helping us fight for a future where every heart warrior has the chance to thrive.