I want to express my heartfelt thanks for taking a moment to visit my fundraising page.
This year, I’m walking with an even deeper purpose as The Children’s Heart Foundation celebrates 30 years of funding life-saving research for children born with congenital heart defects. For my family, this mission is not just important—it’s deeply personal.
My son was born with a ventricular septal defect and an enlarged aorta. For three years, we lived in a perpetual state of anxiety with constant doctors appointments, tests and monitoring, hoping and praying his heart would stay strong. Eventually, doctors determined that surgery was necessary.
On June 16th, 2025, my little boy underwent open-heart surgery.
Watching your child go through something so traumatic is something no parent is ever truly prepared for. But the strength he showed us through out this journey blew us away. On Monday he was on morphine in the hospital, and by Friday he walked out those doors like the little fighter he is. He is our heart warrior—and every child who faces this battle truly earns that title.
Today, because of research funded by The Children’s Heart Foundation, more children are surviving, recovering, and living full lives. But there is still so much work to do. Congenital heart defects remain the most common birth defect, affecting 1 in every 100 babies born.
That’s why I’m walking.
I’m walking for my son. I’m walking for every child facing heart surgery. And I’m walking for the other heart families who are just beginning a journey like ours.
If you’re able, please consider supporting my fundraising efforts for the Congenital Heart Walk. Every donation—no matter the size—helps fund critical research that improves treatments, reduces complications, and gives more children the chance to celebrate birthdays, milestones, and full, healthy lives.
Your generosity truly makes a difference. Thank you for standing with my family and for supporting these incredible heart warriors. Your generosity helps give children like my son the chance to live long, healthy lives.
XOXO, MC