St. Louis Congenital Heart Walk

Raising awareness for congenital heart disease didn’t become a priority for our family until our son Watson was diagnosed with multiple severe heart defects when I was 20 weeks pregnant. Heart defects are the most common birth defect in America and 25% of children with a heart defect, require open-heart surgery within their first year of life to survive. Congenital heart disease does not have a cure, surgeries can mend the heart, but they are not fixed. Our son Watson, had his first open-heart surgery at six months old, and there are more in his future. His next one is currently scheduled for Aug 19th, 2024, before this next heart walk. His condition is incredibly complex. His diagnosis is called Double Inlet Left Ventricle(DILV), and Transposition of the Great Arteries(TGA). There are smaller defects that go hand in hand with this diagnosis. The easiest way to explain Watson’s heart is that he only has one ventricle. Instead of a right pumping chamber and a left pumping chamber, he has one doing all the work. This puts a lot of strain on the heart. The series of surgeries that he will complete will reroute the blood flow to his heart and lungs. The reality is that, although these surgeries provide him the opportunity to live a life like you and me as much as possible, it is a lifelong battle that he will fight. Watson will need specialized care into adulthood, and possibly a heart transplant. The cause of congenital heart defects is unknown and they occur in 1% of children. The children’s heart foundation funds the most promising research in congenital heart disease. Without the groundbreaking advancements that have been made in just the last 35 years, Watson would not be with us today. It is so important to our family to do anything we can do to better the outcome of our sons future and continue on with big advancements in care for Congenital Heart Disease.

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. 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.

Welcome Back

Awarded when Anyone is a returning participant

Awarded 05/06/2024
First Donation

Awarded when Anyone receives 1 or more donations

Awarded 06/24/2024
Heart Aware

Awarded when Anyone reaches $75.00 in donations

Awarded 09/04/2024
Heart Friend

Awarded when Anyone reaches $150.00 in donations

Awarded 09/04/2024
Heart Hero

Awarded when Anyone reaches $500.00 in donations

Awarded 09/28/2024

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Ashley Kamler

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