Serafina is a very special girl with a very special heart. Before she was born, my wife and I found out she had a very rare heart condition, making her future very uncertain. After she was born in March 2024, she was immediately taken to a cardiac ICU for close monitoring. After 36 days in the ICU, she went home safely, though we knew heart surgery remained a necessary part of her future. However, in the summer of 2025, Serafina was suddenly hospitalized and sent to the operating room for emergent open heart surgery. After some complications during her recovery, less than a month later, she went back in for another heart surgery. After spending over 40 days in the hospital, Serafina was finally sent home.  This past March, Serafina underwent another open heart surgery, her third surgery within a year.  

Her strength and bravery through every challenge she has faced have inspired my family and me.  Since Serafina was born, she has always been a fighter.  We are inspired by her, and grateful for all of the wonderful medical professionals that helped her get better.  She is now back home and finally getting the chance to just be a toddler. Watching her hit new milestones, learn new things, and fill our home with laughter after everything she’s endured is a true miracle we never take for granted.  We would like to give back, and raise awareness for all children with heart disease. 

After all my Serafina has been through over the past year, it is a true honor and privilege to run the NYC Marathon with the Children's Heart Foundation Team on her behalf.  By dedicating every mile to her and those affected by rare heart conditions, it is my hope to raise awareness and help all those affected by congenital heart disease.