It’s that time of year again—a time when we don’t get to celebrate Sutton’s new milestones or invite you to his second birthday party. Instead, we invite you to walk with us in his memory, protect the legacy of his short but beautiful life, and help raise funds to support congenital heart disease (CHD) research.
Sutton Jay Harrington was born on August 14th, 2023, with a rare congenital heart defect—double outlet right ventricle with d-malposed great arteries and pulmonary stenosis. We learned of his diagnosis during our 20-week anatomy scan. After he was born, Sutton was immediately placed on medication to support his heart. On his seventh day, he underwent a heart procedure intended to help him—but instead, his little heart couldn’t handle it. Sutton passed away on August 22nd at 3 a.m. It was the moment his heart stopped, and ours shattered.
It’s hard to believe it’s been two years since we last held him, told him about all the people waiting for him in heaven, and said how much we would miss him. We would give anything for a different outcome. I truly don’t know how we walked out of that hospital without him, or how we’ve survived these past two years. But I do know this—I will spend the rest of my life talking about Sutton and raising funds so that other families may have the chance to watch their babies grow up.
One in 100 babies is born with a congenital heart defect, but Sutton’s condition affects just 1 in 10,000. Before Sutton, we had heard of CHDs, but didn’t realize how common—or how devastating—they could be. Now, we walk to change that.
On September 6th, we will be walking in the Nashville Children’s Heart Foundation Walk in Sutton’s honor. We’re raising funds for CHD research so that, one day, no family has to endure the pain of saying goodbye to their baby.
The Children’s Heart Foundation funds the most promising research to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of congenital heart defects. Every dollar donated goes directly toward that mission—and every step we take is a step toward more time, more hope, and more healing for other families.
Here’s how you can help:
Thank you for standing with us to protect Sutton’s memory and to raise critical funds for life-saving CHD research.
Love,
Emma, Trenton, and Teague Harrington
Same as last year, I will bring bracelets for everyone. Wear red if you can!
