Hey everyone!

My name is Josie. I have been going to camp for 4 years, and I'm forever grateful to have gone. I'm so glad to have met others who have similar experiences and built friendships that will be everlasting. Camp has shown me that your heart defects don't define you, but you and how it is forever part of your life. 

I was born with Double Outlet Rght Ventricle- Taussig-Bing syndrome (VSD, TGA, PDA, interrupted aortic arch + valve problems). I had my heart repaired with open surgery at the age of four, but I now have severe PAH (Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension). 

Besides going to the hospital routinely, I love volunteering in my local communities, reading my never-ending list of books to read, competing in archery competitions, and I'm an adrenaline junkie. 

#livingwiththepurplelife 

Dictionary of medical terms:

*DORV-Taussig-Bing: In DORV the aorta is supposed to connect with the left ventricle, but it connects with the right. The result is sending unoxygenated blood to the body. 

*VSD (Ventricular Septal Defect): There's a hole in the wall between the two ventricles of the heart. 

*TGA (Transposition of the Great Artery): The aorta and superior vena cava swapped with one another

*PDA (Patent Ductus Arteriosus): Before birth, there is a temporary connection between the aorta and pulmonary artery, and its suppose to close itself after birth

*Interrupted aortic arch: Prevents effective blood flow throughout the lower body 

*Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: High blood pressure ONLY in the lungs 

Story of Camp Del Corazon: 

Begun in 1995 by a pediatric cardiologist and a cardiovascular nurse, Camp del Corazon provides a free-of-charge residential summer camp on Catalina Island off the coast of California to 300+ kids (ages 7-17) living with congenital heart disease. Over the past 30 years, Camp del Corazon has grown to include year round programming, including virtual camp, an educational symposium for heart families, and a young adult program (ages 18-25) to support former campers as they transition to adulthood and take ownership of their health. BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE! Camp is more than all these awesome programs, camp is a FEELING! Camp has become a community and a FAMILY to so many kids and families who thought they were alone. 

And now, Camp has become MY family! Camp means so much to me. I want to make sure that Camp continues to provide a community and family for future generations of heart kids and families. Will you help me? You can join my team, make a donation, share the link to this page on social media, or come volunteer at FamFest on October 24th and be part of the camp magic! Thanks for helping to raise awareness and funds for this organization that is so close to my heart.