Welcome to the Home of the Valvetastic Warriors!! We'd LOVE for you to join our team!

My name is Brittany Bratcher. I am the creator/team Captain and mom to a wonderful young man named DJ (pictured) who has undergone open heart surgery 3x at Children’s National to ultimately have his Aortic Valve replaced (hence the name "Valvetastic") with a Mechanical Valve.

Dr. Richard Jonas, who's now retired, was the BRILLIANT artist that repaired my son’s heart.

DJ underwent surgery at 6 weeks old, 10 months old, and 4 years old. He has one more to go! Nevertheless, he’s a healthy, handsome, active & thriving,  16 year old, thanks to the truly gifted hands and minds of the Cardiology team at Children's National! Our goal for the 2024 race, is to get 20 ppl total to join our team, which signifies in total thus far, each number related to DJ when he underwent surgery (6+10+4).

We truly appreciate your support! Please copy and share this link to reach other families and friends who may enjoy racing (walking/jogging/running) for a great cause. 

Let's Go Children's National! Let’s go Valvetastic Warriors! 

Thanks a bunch