Star Staff Reports
Star Staff Reports
The War/Cry 5K was held Sept. 28 in Memphis at Overton Park.
The event was conducted by the Warrior Hearts Foundation, a Memphis based nonprofit, founded in 2019 through the inspiration of Carmus Bateman Jr.,” also known as CJ.
Now the founders are continuing the mission to bring more awareness to the organization, it’s cause and the inspiration.
The Warrior Hearts Foundation was inspired because CJ’s battle with severe Congenital Heart Defect called HLHS.
The Warrior Hearts Foundation was founded in 2019 by Tomy’Ra Lowe-Batemon. Her son, Carmus was born with a severe congenital heart defect. CJ was a patient at LeBonheur Children’s Hospital and underwent several heart surgeries.
While in the hospital, Tomy’Ra recognized the need to foster hope and encouragement in the hearts of children and families who were facing similar challenges.
The Warrior Hearts Foundation was born out of this need and has since partnered with LeBonheur and other organizations to assess and meet the needs of little Heart Warriors just like her son.
To date, the Warrior Hearts Foundation has donated toys to LeBonheur annually, along with clothes and, more recently, infant nursery equipment to the Cardiac Unit. The foundation’s goal is to raise awareness of congenital heart defects and make a long-lasting difference.
With your support, the Warrior Hearts Foundation has, and will continue to, carry out its mission of aiding and assisting children with congenital heart defects and their families.
The Warrior Hearts Foundation is dedicated to supporting children with Congenital Heart Defects and their families.
“Our mission is to provide these “Heart Warriors” and their loved ones with meaningful resources, support, and a strong community,” Tomy’Ra said. “Our vision is to foster a sense of hope and encouragement in every Heart Warrior and family navigating the journey of Congenital Heart Conditions.
“One of our flagship events is our 5K,event an annual walk/run that not only raises crucial funds for our programs but also brings the community together in a vibrant, supportive atmosphere,” she added. “This year’s event was a fantastic success, thanks to the wonderful sponsors, donors, volunteers and participants who joined us.”
Organizers are hoping this outreach effort will bring the surrounding communities out for next year’s event.
“We invite the Germantown, Bartlett, Millington and Collierville communities to learn more about our foundation’s mission at warriorhearts.org and to join us next year as we continue to expand our reach and impact,” Tomy’Ra concluded.
