Philly Spin-In raises money for CHOP's Cardiac Center

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Positive words, uplifting music and a cause worth breaking a sweat over.

"Instructors are great, high energy, the music's great. It's awesome," said Kathy Drew of South Philadelphia.

The very first Philly Spin-In brought 500 cyclists together Saturday to raise money for the Cardiac Center at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Spin instructors from studios throughout the city brought their best playlists. And heart parents like Adrienne Daly brought their stories of hope. Her 7-month-old son, Declan, has had two heart surgeries at CHOP and will have at least one more.

"It's really heartwarming to see people here supporting CHOP and the Cardiac Center. Especially, you see people who have taken care of him here, and that means they're really dedicated to what they do," said Daly of Branchburg, New Jersey.

In this all-day, relay-style event, fundraising teams of at least four people participate with each member, spinning for 45 minutes at a time. Doctors say the hundreds of thousands of dollars raised will help with innovative research.

"We're coming up with ways where we can potentially do interventions even before babies are born so that we can potentially reverse their heart disease," said Dr. Maryam Naim, Pediatric ICU at CHOP.

For participants like Mike Baker, the event was fun, but emotional. His daughter Evelyn had heart surgery when she was just three days old. She's now a happy, healthy 2-year-old.

"All of those emotions and feelings really come back. It's been a really emotional morning, which is challenging, but awesome at the same time," said Baker of Berwyn, Pennsylvania.

While many people here know a child affected by a heart condition, some also came for a great workout. Everyone we spoke to said they loved the vibrant, positive atmosphere, and they hope to do it again next year.

ONLINE: http://www.chop.edu/events/philly-spin

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