Karen Kartes Piatt

A Runner's Renewed Heart

Mark Wagner jogs along Southworth Drive, his running shoes beating a steady rhythm on the roadway, his arms pumping evenly. Machine-like he maintains an even pace, while inside his chest, a mechanical valve regulates the flow of blood through his heart. A pacemaker installed several years after the valve keeps his heartbeat regular as clockwork.

Despite all the hardware, Wagner says he runs on a higher power.

He’ll compete today in the Seattle Marathon, his sixth marathon since having open hea

World Vision Recognizes Charlotte Teens for Outstanding Leadership in Fight Against Global Hunger and Poverty; St. John's Episcopal Church is Nation's Top Fundraising Group

Through the 30 Hour Famine, these youth raised more than $60,000 last year, placing them in the top spot for the fourth year in a row of more than 15,000 participating groups in all 50 states. This February 24-25, World Vision staff will join St. John's Episcopal for their 30 Hour Famine, capturing their event activities on film in order to help equip and motivate other groups in the future.

Once again this year, the teens of St. John's Episcopal will help draw attention to global hunger and po