When I was 26 weeks pregnant, I found out my daughter would be born with a congenital heart defect called Tetrology of Fallot with Pulmonary Artesia. My fiancé & I were both terrified. This isn't what we were expecting going into parenthood and we didn't know what this diagnosis would mean for our daughter. 
In September 2023, Josephine was born and her diagnosis was confirmed. And while we knew it was coming, the reality really set in. But because of foundations like The Children's Heart Foundation, and the people who spend so much time and energy researching CHDs, we tackled every obstacle with an abundance of hope. 
Josie had her open heart surgery at 7 weeks old. She ended up on ECMO, a true form of life support, the next day. She remained on ECMO for 5 days, her chest left cut open for 10, sedated, intubated, and paralyzed for 14. A total of 99 days in the cardiac ICU after birth. 
I am so fortunate to have been selected to run with the CHF because their mission is so personal to me. Because of their work, Josie's life expectancy is much longer and her quality of life is much greater. 
Being a heart mom is far from easy, but I would do it a million times again for her and I am thrilled to be playing a small role in raising money to advance the research of congenital heart defects and to use this as an opportunity to continue advocating for her and all of the heart friends we've made along the way. 
 

Josephine has proven to be the definition of perseverance & resilience. She is smart, feisty, and braver than I'll ever be. I am so proud to be her mama and I am so excited to run my first marathon for her.