Former Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen has been on many stages — from the field during Super Bowl 50 to the booth as an NFL commentator.
Editor’s note: John Madden would be proud, Greg.
This weekend, Olsen will return to a personal and important role.
Saturday, April 20, marks the return of The HEARTest Yard + Showmars 5K — a run + community fundraiser held in Myers Park benefiting children affected by congenital heart disease.
Race day details
- Registration is $35
- Event begins at 8 a.m.
- Pre-race activities take place at CMC Myers Park
- 5K (Run/Walk) and Kids Fun Run starts and ends at CMC Myers Park
- A post-race celebration including: food trucks, refreshments, music, inflatables, + achance to meet the Top Cats and Sir Purr.
There will be a post-race celebration with comments from Greg Olsen.
How it all began
While playing for the Panthers in 2012, Greg and his wife Kara welcomed twins into their family. One of the babies was born healthy. Their son T.J. was born with a severe congenital heart defect. T.J. underwent several open-heart surgeries at just a few days old before receiving a successful heart transplant as a young child.
The experience inspired the Olsens to help other families in the same situation across the Carolinas. Because football plays such a major role in the Olsens’ lives, they called their son’s journey “T.J.’s HEARTest Yard.”
The Olsens and Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital have teamed up to establish The HEARTest Yard initiative — providing families of babies affected by congenital heart disease with access to services like: in-home, private nursing care, physical and speech therapy, and more.
“What you see on TV is what you get in real life,” laughed Molly Ansbro, executive director of The HEARTest Yard who spoke on the remarkable hands-on involvement Greg and Kara Olsen play in the organization. “The foundation is their baby. They’ll drop anything just to be there and be helpful.”
The birth of a 5K
Showmars had their own 5K with funds going to Levine Children’s cardiac unit. After learning about T.J.'s story, Showmar’s partnered up with The HEARTest Yard for a new event.
“It’s a great event for all of our heart families to get together and be like, ‘oh my gosh, I remember when you were a part of it and now your son is five and he’s thriving’ and it’s all thanks to support of The HEARTest Yard,” said Samantha McGowan, assistant to Olsen.
A promise of hope
Though it might be a fun way to spend your Saturday, The HEARTest Yard + Showmars 5K serves as a beacon of help and hope for families — who like the Olsens — have faced a challenging and emotional struggle.
“We highlight a lot of families that have gone through what Greg and Kara and T.J. went through,” said Amber Anderson, foundation coordinator. “They talk about the impact The HEARTest Yard has had on them. I think it’s good to hear from other families how that can impact them.”
The HEARTest Yard is a year-round organization, offering opportunities to volunteer and donate to further benefit families in Charlotte and the Carolinas.
“The Charlotte community and the Carolinas have been very, very giving, continued Molly Ansbro. “It’s been wonderful to see and I hope it continues to grow.”