HCMA backs Bighearted 5K for HCM patients and families

The Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association is sponsoring the second annual Bighearted 5K on Oct. 11 in Denville, New Jersey, to raise support for patients and families affected by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The event will offer in-person and virtual participation, plus fundraising options and sponsor slots for local businesses.

Why it matters: - The Bighearted 5K raises money for the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association’s work to advocate for, educate and empower people affected by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and other thick heart muscle disorders. - The event also spotlights a disease that remains widely undiagnosed, with HCM affecting an estimated 1 in 250 to 1 in 500 people globally. - Community turnout helps fund patient support while building awareness around a genetic heart condition that can change family life.

What happened: - The Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association is sponsoring the 2nd Annual Bighearted 5K on Sunday, Oct. 11, at 66 Ford Road in Denville, New Jersey. - The event starts at 9 a.m., with the race beginning at 10 a.m. - Organizers are inviting runners and walkers to participate in person or virtually. - Registration is open in four categories: 5K Run/Walk, 5K Run/Walk - Untimed, Virtual 5K-Untimed and 1 Mile Fun Run - Untimed. - The event includes music, food trucks, a bounce house for children, a memory walk for people lost to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and awards for top finishers in several categories.

The details: - Last year’s inaugural Bighearted 5K drew more than 200 runners, walkers, families and friends. - The first event raised nearly $30,000 for HCMA’s mission. - HCMA is offering fundraising incentives for participants. - Local businesses can buy sponsorships that include PA announcements, promotional opportunities, complimentary race entries and items in the race swag bag. - HCMA thanked its Diamond Sponsors: Bristol Myers Squibb, Cytokinetics and Edgewise Therapeutics. - HCMA also recognized its Sapphire Sponsor, BridgeBio, and Emerald Sponsors Alnylam, Braveheart Bio, Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Rocket Pharmaceuticals and Tenaya Therapeutics. - The organization says it will use the event to support families while keeping the mission visible in the community. - More information is available through the event registration page and HCMA social channels: LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Between the lines: - The event blends fundraising with awareness-building, which can help HCMA reach both patients and the broader public. - The mix of in-person, untimed and virtual options suggests the organization wants to lower barriers to participation and broaden its audience. - Corporate sponsorship from multiple biopharma companies signals outside interest in the HCM space and in patient advocacy efforts.

What's next: - HCMA will host the event on Oct. 11 and look to top last year’s turnout and fundraising total. - Additional fundraising and sponsor participation could boost the event’s reach before race day. - The organization is likely to continue using the Bighearted 5K as an annual platform for HCM awareness and support.