Girl, 10, to walk in Sparta 5K to raise funds for foundation

Sparta - Brianne Gagg, a 10-year-old student at Sparta’s Alpine Elementary School, will walk on behalf of the Robie Foundation in the Main Street 5K on Saturday, April 22. Gagg, who had corrective surgery for her heart murmur last March at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York, epitomizes what the foundation is about. “We want to bring awareness about congenital heart defects,” said Kathleen Gagg, Brianne’s mother and a leader of the foundation. “Our goal is for every child to receive a baseline echo cardiogram. Even if you can’t attend this event you can help support Brianne Gagg by sponsoring her with a pledge.” She noted that proceeds from the registration fees for the Sparta 5K will benefit Pass It Along. Funds for the Robie Foundation will be derived from individual pledges. “Go to your family, friends, co-workers, classmates, teachers and neighbors and ask them to sponsor you,” she urged. “What a great way to make a difference and have a great day. We will be supplying special Robie Foundation T-Shirts for this event to all of our runners/walkers.” For information, call 973-592-3680 or send e-mail to KathleenGagg@TheRobieFoundation.com.