I want to express my heartfelt thanks for taking a moment to visit my fundraising page.

This year, I'm walking with extra purpose as The Children's Heart Foundation celebrates 30 incredible years of funding research that saves lives and changes futures. My commitment to making a difference has led me to participate in the Congenital Heart Walk, an event that carries immense significance for me—especially knowing that for three decades, CHF has been the leading force behind the treatments and surgical advances that help children with congenital heart defects thrive.

When my Amazing Heart Warrior (and princess) Arya, was born she was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect (CHD) that was putting pressure on her aortic valve, causing it to work harder and ultimately stressing her little heart. Her mom, Helena, learned she’d need several procedures to correct this, and her care team at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago had hoped to perform these later in life. Instead, they needed to intervene at 9 months and again at 1 year. While the timing was unexpected, both were huge successes and even warranted cheers in the OR! 

In 2023 and 2024, Arya had a cardiac catheterization performed, where it was confirmed she would eventually need a repair on her conduit and a third open heart surgery on her mitral valve.

Arya is currently on medication to keep her mitral valve gradient mild and she checks in with her heart care team every 2-4 weeks. She had her third cardiac catheterization performed May of 2025 as they wait for the surgical team's opinion on when is the optimal time to intervene on her mitral valve. Arya is an extremely active, loving, sweet, smart, stubborn warrior. She enjoys her dance classes, school, and lots of playdates with friends. 

This is not just a walk for me; it's a stride toward the next 30 years of hope. This endeavor is all about supporting The Children's Heart Foundation's crucial mission—advancing the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of congenital heart defects through groundbreaking research that improves survival rates, reduces complications, and helps Heart Warriors celebrate more birthdays than ever before.

I warmly invite you to become a part of this milestone journey by supporting my fundraising efforts. Together, we can raise the funds essential to continue the life-saving research that turns heartbreak into hope. Your contribution holds immeasurable value to me and to every family who needs CHF's support.

Thank you for your generosity, and for standing beside me in this mission. Your support means the world.