Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is a genetic heart disease caused by the thickening of the heart muscles. HCM is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young adults. It is the most common inherited cardiovascular disease, affecting about 1 in 500 individuals. Research is needed to discover more effective diagnostics and treatment and to ultimately find a cure. Please consider adding an additional donation on your registration form or donating to the HCMA directly with the link below!
What is HCM?
Charity Partner
Saving and improving lives since 1996, the HCMA seeks to provide support, advocacy, and education to patients, famillies, and the public about hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, while supporting research and fostering development of treatments
My name is Violet Shippert, and I am a senior at Grand River Prep HS. In August 2013, my dad, Philip Shippert, suddenly passed away. Doctors said it was just a heart attack since there were no cardiologist records that suggested otherwise, but we weren't convinced. How could my dad who was so lively in spirit and who seemed to be healthy be gone instantaneously? It all seemed a little mysterious. My mom researched and researched and suggested a further investigation. After about 6 weeks of anxious waiting, we got news that the results pointed to HCM. There was a calming sense evoked by solving the mystery, but nothing could change the fact that my dad was gone and my family was broken. In hopes of educating others and raising awareness of HCM, I have decided to share my story and honor my dad by organizing this 5k race. I want to give hope to those families who have experienced the traumatic effect of HCM. More importantly, I want to raise awareness of this disease that will strike at the most unexpected time but can be fought against. With more research and awareness, we can change the course of HCM, giving hope and saving lives.