Our sweet Charlie was born on Valentine’s Day this year — a true heart baby in every sense. From the very beginning, Charlie has shown incredible strength and resilience. He was born with a complex congenital heart defect called Tetralogy of Fallot with Pulmonary Atresia (TOF/PA).
Tetralogy of Fallot is a rare condition made up of four heart differences that affect how blood flows to the lungs and body. In Charlie’s case, he also had pulmonary atresia, which means his pulmonary valve didn’t form at all. Instead of blood flowing normally to his lungs to pick up oxygen, his tiny heart had to work overtime to find other ways to get blood where it needed to go.
At just five weeks old, Charlie underwent open-heart surgery to repair his heart. Those first weeks and months of his life were spent in the Cardiac ICU, where he showed us what true courage looks like. Despite feeding challenges, countless procedures, and more than any baby should have to go through, Charlie has continued to fight with an unbelievable spirit.
Today, Charlie is growing, smiling, and thriving — doubling his birth weight, discovering the world around him, and spreading joy wherever he goes. His journey is a powerful reminder that even the tiniest hearts can be the strongest.
Every 15 minutes in the United States, a baby is born with a congenital heart defect, making CHDs the most common birth defect in our country. The Congenital Heart Walk is dedicated to making a difference. Our mission is clear - we aim to raise funds to support The Children's Heart Foundation in its quest to advance the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of CHDs by funding groundbreaking research.
We invite you to join us in this mission. By supporting our team or even walking with us, you're contributing to research that can save and enhance the lives of infants born with CHDs, as well as children and adults living with these conditions. Your support makes a significant impact, and for that, we want to say a heartfelt thank you.
Will you join us in making a real difference? Please consider supporting our team or walking with us. Every step we take brings us closer to improving the lives of those affected by congenital heart defects.
