Long Island Congenital Heart Walk

Hi and welcome to Jesse’s fundraising page!

This fundraiser is extremely important to our family. We are forever thankful for the research done to improve both diagnosis and prognosis in children born with congenital heart disease

For those of you who aren’t aware of Jesse’s story here is a brief history of his journey with congenital heart disease.

Jesse’s heart condition went unnoticed until he was three weeks old. He passed all his hospital screenings at birth and made it through all his first doctor’s appointments without a diagnosis. At three weeks of age, we trusted our instincts and brought Jesse into the pediatrician for what we thought would be a sick visit. The pediatrician sent us to the cardiologist and urged us to be seen within the next few days. Looking back , all the signs were there Jesse was in heart failure.

In the following days Jesse was diagnosed with a large VSD and a small ASD. We were told his condition would require surgical repair that ideally would be when he was at least 6 months. However, life had different plans for us. Jesse was diagnosed with RSV 2 days after his diagnosis. He was hospitalized 3 days after his diagnosis. He spent the next 3 weeks in the ICU battling RSV on top of being in heart failure. Jesse dropped below birth weight and required a feeding tube. Ultimately Jesse’s heart was failing and he needed surgery earlier than we anticipated.

Jesse had open heart surgery 28 days after being diagnosed with congenital heart disease. His hole was 14 mm which was larger than anyone anticipated. We are forever thankful for the research and advancement in technology. Jesse was born in a time that allowed him to be able to not only live but to be able to live his life to the fullest.

For everyone that knows Jesse knows he has a permanent smile on his face. Jess we are so proud of you and that beautiful scar of yours that tells a story of your strength and all the love that continues to surround you.

Love,

The Goldsteins

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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.

It's not just a walk; 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.