It’s been a busy year for Darin Vail, Heart Hero of the 2025 Capital Region Heart Walk and Run. Taking place June 8 at the University at Albany, the Heart Walk will bring thousands together to fight heart disease and stroke. At the event, Darin will share his story of living with a congenital heart defect.
Since he became the Heart Hero, Darin’s been busy:
- He threw out the first pitch at a Tri-City ValleyCats game
- He advocated at the state Capitol for Cardiac Emergency Response Plans in New York’s schools
- He stood at Center Court at a UAlbany basketball game benefitting the Cardiac Kids
- He was videotaped at the Empire State Plaza for a segment that will run on national TV
- He spoke at the Executive Breakfast for the Heart Walk
- He spoke at RPI’s Vendor Night
- He was Caretaker of the Torch at the Heart Ball
“The American Heart Association has played a huge role in my life,” Darin said. “I started with the Cardiac Kids group, where I became friends with other kids like me. We have fun holiday parties and go to events like ValleyCats and UAlbany games. Now that I’m getting older, I’m doing my best to give back to the American Heart Association.”
Darin’s mother, Missy Vail, was 19-weeks pregnant when she learned that Darin had hypoplastic left heart syndrome. He also had a leaky tricuspid valve and enlarged kidneys. Missy learned that Darin would need three surgeries after birth.
Darin had his first surgery when he was 2-weeks old. He had a second surgery at 3- months-old. When he was 1, his tricuspid valve failed, and surgery couldn’t repair it. Darin has had a mechanical valve since then, and started taking blood thinners. That’s a medication he’ll take for the rest of his life.
Darin’s last open-heart surgery happened when he was 5. He also received a pacemaker at that time. Each surgery required him to stay at Albany Med for a month or two afterward. He still has regular heart catheterizations.
Darin lives a normal life and has a positive attitude.
“I’m on my high school varsity bowling team, and I like to fish, swim, play video games and watch WWE,” Darin said. Darin has three siblings – a sister and twin brothers in their 20s. Darin and his dad Fred Vail have been regular attendees at the Heart Walk each year. The Vails expect a big team this year.
To support the Walk, Darin and his family have held fundraisers, including bowling and Bingo. Darin’s bowling teammates also donated to him.
“I’m very honored to be this year’s Heart Hero,” Darin said. “I’m grateful to my family and friends who have donated and helped with our fundraisers. I also want to thank my American Heart Association family, especially Kim Sheedy, who helped me a lot.”
“Congenital heart defects are the most common type of birth defect,” said Brian O’Grady, president and CEO of CDPHP, chairman of the 2025 Capital Region Heart Walk and Run, and a recent open-heart surgery patient. “When you meet Darin, you see firsthand the impact of the American Heart Association’s work – proof that our Cardiac Kids can grow up to lead full, thriving lives. We’re incredibly grateful to Darin for sharing his journey, a reminder that heart disease does not discriminate.”
For information, to register or donate to the Heart Walk, visit CapitalRegionHeartWalk.org.
About the Capital Region Heart Walk and Run
The Capital Region Heart Walk and Run is set for Sunday, June 8, at the University at Albany, 1400 Washington Ave., Albany. Events will start at the Physical Education Building. Brian O’Grady, president and CEO of CDPHP, is the chair. Darin Vail, 15, born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, is the Heart Hero. Emily May is the Stroke Ambassador. Tom Eschen of CBS 6 and Meredith McNeil of B95.5 will emcee. Registration for the 5K run opens at 7 a.m. and the run begins at 8 a.m. Walk activities begin at 9 a.m. The Walk program begins at 10:15 a.m. and the Walk steps off at 10:30 a.m. Walkers can join a 1- or 3-mile route. For information, to register, or donate, visit CapitalRegionHeartWalk.org. Sponsors include Albany Med Health System, Broadview Federal Credit Union, The Times Union, CBS 6 and B 95.5.