A bundled-up crowd took part in the South Florida Walk for Victory on Sunday, 2/1 at T.Y. Park in Hollywood,, Florida.
Despite the coldest temperatures in years – dipping into the high 20s early in the day – in the words of Board Chair Bert Medina, “It’s freezing, but the walk comes not from the weather this time around, it comes from the people who are here joined with a passion to make a difference in people’s lives,” during an interview with Local 10 WPLG – the station he helms.
The event now claims the largest attendance in Walk for Victory History across the nation.
Marfan Foundation Senior Vice President, Development and Community Engagement Kim Huddleston, who leads the event with her team, said, “Over the past nine years, the South Florida community has continued to show up in meaningful ways. This ongoing support is a testament to the dedication of our families, healthcare professionals, and leadership. This past Sunday, more than 745 people came together to raise awareness and critical funds that will support essential programs and research as we continue to move forward.”
Attendance this year was bolstered by a major show of support for the family of Lucas Osuna. Lucas lost his life to undiagnosed Loeys-Dietz syndrome in March of 2025. Team Lucas raised over $40K in support of the Marfan Foundation and focused on raising awareness of Loeys-Dietz.
“[The Marfan Foundation] offers nothing but support and information. From their researchers to the Foundation to the administration, they’ve all created this wonderful community,” said Lucas’s dad Mike during the event’s opening remarks.
Lucas’s mom, Jeanette, said, “We’re very thankful for everyone who is here representing not only our team, but representing the love that you have for our ‘Fabulous Flaco’ who is here in the wind, in the sun, in the cardinals chirping, in the yellow balloons…it’s a beautiful day.”
Presented by University of Miami Health System Cardiac and Vascular, the event was sponsored by Local 10 WPLG, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Memorial Cardiac and Vascular Institute, and Mount Sinai Medical Center.
The Foundation is very grateful to these sponsors and to our event chairs including Community Chairs Thomas Villanueva, Mike and Jesenia Osuna, Jeanette Garcia-Osuna and Joka Tamer. Martha Abreu-Mon Lauri Randall Blake and Honorary Chairs Nicole Perez, Bert Medina, & Joaquin Ramos, Jr. Our medical chairs were Dr. Steve Xydas, Dr. Juan Pablo Umana, and Dr. Roman Yusopov.
Related stories from WPLG Local 10:
South Florida girl promotes Marfan syndrome awareness ahead of Walk for Victory
Despite chilly temps, Marfan Foundation walk organizers expect big crowds Sunday
April Dawn Shinske is the Chief Communications and Marketing Officer for The Marfan Foundation. She is proud to lead a stellar integrated marketing and communications team and honored to help tell the amazing stories of our community members.