At the front of the starting line, Brady Weglowski looked like every other kid participating in the Healing Little Hearts 5K and Fun Run.

That's thanks to the doctors at Boston Children's Hospital who have performed seven surgeries on the 8-year-old who was born with a serious congenital heart defect.

Brady's parents, Marc and Kelly Weglowski, started Healing Little Hearts in 2007 with their daughter, Jillian as a way to give back to the hospital and promote research that will save more kids born with heart defects.

"One in every 100 babies is born with a heart defect," said Kelly.

And many of them, like Brady, face a lifetime of surgeries.

Healing Little Hearts has held a black tie gala at the New Bedford Whaling Museum for several years to raise research funds, but Monday was the nonprofit's first race. It was held at Center School, and the course wound through Mattapoisett Village.

Kelly said her friend and avid Healing Hearts supporter, Kathleen LeClair, came up with the idea for the Columbus Day run and did much of the organization. They hoped entries and donations would reach at least $5,000.

Monica Donnelly brought 10 friends and family members with her to support the cause.

Donnelly's daughter, Kallan, 3, was born with the same congenital heart defect as Brady and has already had six procedures on her heart.

Donnelly said Kelly, a former co-worker, reached out to her when she found out Kallan had the same heart problem.

For Donnelly, raising money and awareness for Healing Hearts may mean fewer surgeries for kids.

"It's great because it funds research that could potentially save these kids from future open heart surgeries," she said.

One day, she hopes researchers will be able to bioengineer a heart valve that will grow with kids, instead of ones that need to be replaced.

Monday's turnout shows that many other people in the community are getting behind the cause. More than 300 people showed up to run or walk, including more than 60 children.

"I'm blown away. I'm speechless," said Kelly.

The organization already raised $600,000 through its yearly galas, and Kelly said she was thrilled that the event would put more funds toward research.

"They saved Brady's life," Kelly said of the hospital. "They're saving children as we speak. This research will save babies that aren't even here yet."

For more information on Healing Little Hearts, visit www.healinglittlehearts.com.

The results of the 5K are posted at RaceWire.com.