Abby’s Run for the Heart
           5K Run / Walk & Tot Trot

Our Story...
Abigail Verna Glaser was a bright, charming little girl who grew up in Overland Park, KS. Loved by her parents and adored by her extended family, she won the hearts of all who knew her. Her gregarious personality made her a best friend to so many children in the area. She loved many things--dancing, gymnastics, school, and going to the zoo, to name a few. Most of all, she loved her little brother Sam, and her little sisters Olivia and Grace.

On July 31, 2001, at the age of 5, Abby suddenly died from what was later discovered to be Viral Myocarditis. Other than flu-like symptoms immediately preceding her death, there were no outward signs that anything serious was wrong.

Our family has since learned that while Viral Myocarditis is not particularly common in children, it has a remarkably high mortality rate. Our investigations led us to contact Baylor University’s Dr. Jeffrey Towbin, a leading Pediatric Cardiologist dedicated to researching the causes and prevention of sudden cardiac death and viral myocarditis in children.

With Dr. Towbin’s help, The Abby Glaser Children’s Heart Fund was founded, where donations are directed toward research in the field of sudden cardiac death in children.

In 2003, we brought you Abby’s Run for the Heart, a 5K run/walk event, where proceeds support The Abby Glaser Children’s Heart Fund.  Now in its 6th year, Abby’s Run has grown to be among the premier runs in Kansas City where thousands gather to benefit this important cause.

We are confident that ongoing research will lead to better treatment options and opportunities for prevention of this group of diseases.  Advances in this area will not only benefit children who may develop heart disease, but also will carry over to helping adults with similar heart ailments.

On behalf of our entire family, we thank you for your interest in supporting Abby’s Run for the Heart and know that together we will make a difference.

Lori and Max Glaser
Abby’s Mom and Dad