2024 San Antonio Congenital Heart Walk

My story

I want to express my heartfelt thanks for taking a moment to visit my fundraising page.

My commitment to making a difference has led me to participate in the Congenital Heart Walk, an event that carries immense significance for me.

Hi! I'm Aleyna. Let me tell you my story.

I was born with congenital heart defects. These defects went undetected while I was in my mom's tummy. The day after I was born, the resident doctor listen to my heart with her stethoscope. What she heard was described as a murmur. She told my mom that she would get the neonatologist. He then listened to my heart and heard a murmur. So he ordered an echocardiogram so they could take pictures of my heart. While they were taking pictures of my heart they did a pulse ox study. This study found the different levels of oxygen in my upper and lower extremities. There was a big difference between the two. Scary! This study through research helped save my life. Now the pictures are done and they realize my heart had so many different problems. NICU transport team was called and I was transported to C.H.O.S.A. At 6 days old, I had my first open heart surgery. The ICU roller coaster ride I would endure awaited me. I went through heart failure for 4.5 weeks until I couldn't take it anymore. My mom heard my cry and understood what I was telling her. She met with the doctors to do my 2nd open heart surgery at 6 weeks old. This surgery saved my life.

I've gone through so much in my 11 years but with God and the support of family & friends, I continue my journey as a True Heart Warrior Princess!

I want you to know it's not just a walk; it's a stride toward changing lives. This endeavor is all about supporting The Children's Heart Foundation and their crucial mission - advancing the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of congenital heart defects through groundbreaking research.

I warmly invite you to become a part of this significant journey by supporting my fundraising efforts. Together, we can raise the funds essential to drive forward life-saving research. Your contribution holds immeasurable value to me.

Thank you for your generosity, and for standing beside me in this mission. Your support means the world.