Thirteen year old Tim Kowalewski has never let his heart condition get in the way of life. For the seventh time he will hit the road in the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge, this year as Heart Kids’ race ambassador, an honour he wears with pride.
Every year since Tim was born the Kowalewski family has joined the race to support Heart Kids, the official charity partner of the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge. As Tim and his three siblings have become old enough, they’ve joined Mum and Dad, Cynthia and Patrick, in competing. What Tim is most excited about is not crossing the finish line, but conquering Hatepe Hill. "I just LOVE going fast," he exclaims.
Tim is just one of the 12 children born every week with a heart defect. He was diagnosed with a coarctation of the aorta, and at just 13 days old went through major heart surgery. It’s not yet clear when or if another surgery is required. While the condition has slowed him down at times, from the outside he looks like a regular 13 year old, except for the scar. “I call it the shark-bite scar. It comes from my shoulder around and under my arm. Mum and Dad used to joke and tell people I was bitten by a shark… I’m looking forward to doing that in the future and having a laugh.”
Ready to ride
Last year Tim competed in the 40km race at Lake Taupo for the first time, a big step up from the 5km he’d ridden in previous years. This year he has one clear goal in mind, “I want to beat my older sister’s time of 1hr 30mins! I did it in 1hr 40mins last year, but I reckon I can beat that.” It will be another couple of years before he tackles the 80km ride.
Training starts most mornings with his ride to school, and continues in the afternoon with a ride home. He’ll often train with his sister, and also delivers papers on his bike. Tim isn’t just a budding cyclist, he’s also a keen hockey player and swimmer. Cynthia says these sports are great for heart kids like her son. “We were told Tim should not get involved with serious contact sport, so swimming, cycling and hockey are ideal. It has actually become a family affair, we all exercise together now which is fantastic.”
The continued support from Heart Kids throughout Tim’s life has been invaluable for the Kowalewski family. “With events like the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge, Heart Kids’ annual camp and their regular family events, we have been able to connect with others in a similar situation and Tim has met some lifelong friends. The organisation’s support has had a huge impact on our lives.”
How you can help
The 2017 Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge will be held on 25 November. You can support Tim and other heart kids around New Zealand by registering in this year’s event. Commit to raising a minimum of $250 and receive a 20% discount code off your entry fee. You’ll also have access to the Heart Kids event day marquee, sponsored by Momentum Life. Visit cycleforheartkids.co.nz to register today!
Not ready to ride? You can also donate directly to Tim through his Everyday Hero donations page, and follow his training blog in the lead up to the event!
Learn more about how we're supporting Heart Kids: momentumlife.co.nz/heart-kids.
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About Author: Momentum Life is a leading provider of Life insurance and Funeral insurance in New Zealand.
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