Fanwood Boy, 11, To Complete 5K After 3rd Open Heart Surgery – Scotch Plains, NJ Patch

FANWOOD, NJ — It was seven days after Daniel Perry was born when he underwent his first open heart surgery. Now fully recovered from his third surgery, he and his dad Damon will be conquering a 5K on Saturday to give back to the hospital that helped save his life.

You wouldn’t know from looking at Perry that he had been born with a heart defect. He is an energetic boy who loves to run, swim, bike and play basketball with his dad.

“All you want is for your kid to be healthy and you just got to do what you go to do to make it work, said Damon Perry. “He is a remarkable kid. He is very strong and resilient.”

He underwent his most recent and third open heart surgery last summer and is recovering well.

Most recently Daniel, who is now 11, and Damon took part in a 15-mile bike ride and are excited to take part in the second annual RWJBarnabas Health “Running with the Devils 5K Run and Family Fun Walk,” on Saturday at Essex County’s South Mountain Recreation Complex.

“[Children’s Hospital of New Jersey at Newark Beth Israel] is the best, that’s why anytime hey ask us to do anything we do. We are always very thankful because the hospital has been great,” said Perry.

Former New Jersey Devils’ Stanley Cup Champions, Colin White and Grant Marshall, and the Devils team mascot will be at the 5K festival. Proceeds from the charitable race and day of family fun will benefit programs and services at RWJBarnabas Health’s 11 statewide hospital facilities, hospice initiatives, the Behavioral Health Network and The Children’s Specialized Hospital.

Both the 5K race (USATF Certified Course) and the family fun walk will lead participants through the picturesque South Mountain Reservation. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy interactive games, music, face painting and more.

Headlining the activities will be the all-new Devils Mobile Experience, an interactive NHL experience for kids and adults alike. The 24-foot trailer’s main attractions include XHockeyProducts’ Devils Challenge, which will allow fan’s to test shooting accuracy as if they were participating in the NHL’s All-Star Skills Competition, and a digital photo booth experience with Devils branded props and equipment to use.

The 5K race will begin at 9:30 a.m. and followed immediately by the family fun walk. Registration for the 5K is $30 for adults ($25 fee for USATF members) and $10 for children. All entries include free admission to Turtle Back Zoo for the day of the event, an event T-shirt and completion medal. Awards for the 5K Run will be presented to the top three male, female and child finishers.

Registration for the family fun walk is $25 for adult walkers and $10 for child walkers. Children under 4 are free. The fee also includes an event T-shirt and zoo admission for the day.

Registration is available at rwjbh.org/runningwiththedevils.

(Image via Damon Perry: Daniel and Damon Perry)

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