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Campaign 2025
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Join Us for the First Annual Dana Chang Foundation 5K Run/1K Walk!
NATICK, MA – Get ready to lace up your running shoes for a cause that truly matters! We’re excited to invite you to the Dana Chang Foundation 5K for Heart Anomalies—a meaningful event dedicated to raising awareness about congenital heart conditions.
In partnership with Boston Children’s Hospital, this race will take place on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at 8:30 a.m., starting and finishing at Walnut Hill School for the Arts in Natick, MA.
This isn’t just a race—it’s a community coming together to make a difference. Whether you run, walk, or cheer from the sidelines, your participation will help fund life-saving early detection programs and spread awareness about a condition that often goes unnoticed until it’s too late.
Why This Race Matters
The Dana Chang Foundation was created in loving memory of Dana Chang, an exceptionally gifted young artist and musician who passed away suddenly in April 2024 from an undiagnosed heart condition.
Her parents, John Chang and June Song, started this foundation to prevent other families from suffering the same unimaginable loss.
“What started as a way to honor Dana has grown into a movement to save lives,” says John Chang, president of the foundation.
“We think of Dana with every step we take. We hope this event brings more awareness so that no other family has to endure this heartbreak,” adds June Song.
A Special Event in a Special Place
This race holds deep meaning because Dana would have graduated with her classmates from Walnut Hill School for the Arts in May 2025.
“Dana should be here celebrating her graduation with her friends,” says Eric Barber, Head of School. “Instead, we honor her memory by working to prevent future tragedies.”
Dana’s accomplishments were nothing short of extraordinary—a Mensa member at four, a published author at eight, and a violin prodigy who made her solo debut at NEC’s Jordan Hall in March 2024.
She also loved running and completed her first Flutie 5K in Natick in October 2023 with her mentor, Tom Keenan, a Walnut Hill science teacher and now the Dana Chang Foundation 5K Race Director.
“Dana gave her heart to everything she did. This race is a tribute to her passion, determination, and spirit,” Keenan says.
Our Goal: $50,000 to Save Lives
We expect over 300 runners, including students, faculty, and families from Walnut Hill School for the Arts and Belmont Day School.
Our goal is to raise $50,000 to support heart health education, early detection programs, and awareness initiatives. Every step you take helps bring life-saving knowledge to families and provides critical support for research and screenings.
Why Early Detection is Critical
Sadly, Dana’s story is not unique. Just this past October, a 11-year-old boy from Brockton collapsed and passed away from an undiagnosed heart condition while playing basketball.
“This tragedy hit so close to home,” says Colleen Cooper, the foundation’s Communication and Outreach Director. “I tutored Dana for six years, and I also tutor this young boy’s cousin. Losing them both to the same silent killer is devastating. We need to take action.”
Boston Children’s Hospital stands with us in this fight:
“We are proud to partner with the Dana Chang Foundation to raise awareness and improve early detection.”
Continuing Dana’s Legacy
Since its founding, the Dana Chang Foundation has donated over $15,000 to schools and organizations, supporting education, research, and awareness programs.
Dana’s story continues to inspire through a special edition of her book, The Mystery of the Dying Pets—originally published when she was eight. The new edition, which includes her inspiring journey, is being distributed to families at Boston Children’s Hospital to bring hope to those undergoing life-saving treatment.
Through partnerships with Walnut Hill School for the Arts, NEC, and Jungno Art Hall, the foundation is empowering young artists and advocating for early heart anomaly detection—so that no other child’s life is cut short by an undiagnosed condition.
Be Part of This Special Day!
We need you to help make this event a success! Whether you run, walk, volunteer, or cheer, your presence makes a difference.
Mark your calendar for April 27, 2025, in Natick. Let’s take strides together toward a future where no family loses a child to an undiagnosed heart condition.
Register or Learn More:
DanaChangFoundation.org
Media Contact:
Colleen Cooper
Communication & Outreach Director
Dana Chang Foundation
Let’s run with purpose—for Dana, and for every life we can help save.
Promised Allocation
- Dana Chang Music Award
> Walnut Hill School for the Arts, Natick MA
> New England Conservatory Preparatory School, Boston MA - Your donation will support the foundation’s future initiatives for young artists and contribute to building an educational system for emerging music talents, offering them direct opportunities for exposure through our dedicated spaces.
Additionally, your contribution will support local educational institutions that are deeply committed to youth education, as well as hospital systems in need of funds for research. Please donate and help make a difference.
* Please note: If you donate and already purchased your tickets, the two tickets will apply to the next concert.
* Donations in any amount, regardless of quantity are sincerely appreciated.
* The Dana Chang Foundation is a non-profit, tax-exempt public charity under Section a 501(c)3 of the IRS Code; donations are fully deductible.
Donors benefit Level
Under $100 (Dana)
- The Dana Chang Foundation Button and Stickers
$100-$299 (Paganini)
- The Dana Chang Foundation Button and Stickers
- Two Tickets for Concert and VIP Pre-concert reception invitation
$300-$499 (Beethoven)
- The Dana Chang Foundation Button and Stickers
- Two Tickets for Concert and VIP Pre-concert reception invitation
- Tote bag
$500-$999 (Mozart)
- The Dana Chang Foundation Button and Stickers
- Two Tickets for Concert and VIP Pre-concert reception invitation
- Tote bag
- The Mystery of the Dying Pets by Dana Chang first and special edition
$1,000-$1,999 (Haydn)
- The Dana Chang Foundation Button and Stickers
- Two Tickets for Concert and VIP Pre-concert reception invitation
- Tote bag
- The Mystery of the Dying Pets by Dana Chang first and special edition
- 2024-2026 The Dana Chang Foundation Membership
$2,000-$2,999 (Vivaldi)
- The Dana Chang Foundation Button and Stickers
- Two Tickets for Concert and VIP Pre-concert reception invitation
- Tote bag
- The Mystery of the Dying Pets by Dana Chang first and special edition
- 2024-2027 The Dana Chang Foundation Membership
$3,000+ (Bach)
- The Dana Chang Foundation Button and Stickers
- Two Tickets for Concert and VIP Pre-concert reception invitation
- Tote bag
- The Mystery of the Dying Pets by Dana Chang first and special edition
- 2024-2029 The Dana Chang Foundation Membership