St. Louis Congenital Heart Walk

Welcome to Team Watson! We are so glad you're here.

Our son, Watson, was born on July 29, 2020, but his heart journey began months before that. During a routine ultrasound on April 6, 2020, we learned that his heart was severely underdeveloped. In an instant, our world was turned upside down. We had no idea what the future would hold, but we held on to hope that our little boy would have the chance to live a full and happy life.

Watson was born with one of the most complex forms of congenital heart disease: Double Inlet Left Ventricle (DILV) with ventricular inversion, Transposition of the Great Arteries, and pulmonary stenosis. His combination of heart defects is incredibly rare and requires a series of staged open-heart surgeries to help his heart function.

At just 6 months old, Watson underwent his first open-heart surgery, the Glenn procedure, on January 25, 2021. Then, on August 19, 2024, at 4 years old, he bravely faced his second major surgery—the Fontan procedure.

No parent is ever prepared to watch their child go through open-heart surgery, let alone multiple surgeries. While those days were some of the hardest our family has ever experienced, they also showed us the incredible strength of our little boy and the compassion of the doctors, nurses, surgeons, and researchers who dedicate their lives to children like Watson.

Today, Watson is doing amazingly well. He loves being a kid, making memories, and keeping us on our toes. Every milestone, every birthday, every laugh, and every ordinary day is a reminder of how blessed we are and how far congenital heart care has come.

But Watson's journey isn't over.

The Fontan procedure is not a cure—it is a treatment. People living with Fontan circulation face lifelong challenges, and there is still the possibility of future complications or even a heart transplant someday. Our greatest hope is that, if Watson or any other Heart Warrior ever needs more treatment, medical research will have made even greater advances than it has today.

That is why our family proudly participates in the St. Louis Congenital Heart Walk and raises money for The Children's Heart Foundation every year. The research they fund is giving children born with congenital heart disease longer, healthier lives and creating hope for families like ours.

Whether you choose to donate, walk alongside Team Watson, or simply share our story, you are making a difference. Every dollar raised brings us one step closer to better treatments, fewer surgeries, and one day, a cure.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for supporting Team Watson. Your love, prayers, encouragement, and generosity mean more to our family than words can ever express.

Welcome Back

Awarded when Anyone is a returning participant

Awarded 06/29/2026
New Fundraising Record

Awarded when Anyone raises more funds than during their last campaign

Awarded 10/29/2026
Fundraising Achieved

Awarded when Anyone reaches 100 % of goal

Awarded 10/29/2026
First Donation

Awarded when Anyone receives 1 or more donations

Awarded 10/29/2026
Heart Warrior

Awarded when Anyone reaches $1,000.00 in donations

Awarded 10/29/2026
Heart Hero

Awarded when Anyone reaches $500.00 in donations

Awarded 10/29/2026
Heart Friend

Awarded when Anyone reaches $250.00 in donations

Awarded 10/29/2026
Heart Aware

Awarded when Anyone reaches $100.00 in donations

Awarded 10/29/2026
Heart Champion

Awarded when Anyone reaches $2,500.00 in donations

Awarded 10/29/2026

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Everything changed for our family at my 20-week anatomy scan when we learned our son, Watson, had multiple severe congenital heart defects. In one moment, our dreams of a healthy pregnancy became filled with uncertainty, fear, and countless questions. Watson was born with a rare and complex heart condition called Double Inlet Left Ventricle (DILV) with Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA). He has undergone two open-heart surgeries—the Glenn at 6 months old and the Fontan at 4 years old. Those surgeries have given him the chance to run, play, and enjoy life, but they are not a cure. Watson will need specialized cardiac care for the rest of his life. As his mom, I am incredibly grateful for the medical advances that have made his journey possible. Without the research and innovation of the past few decades, Watson would not be here today. That is why supporting The Children's Heart Foundation means so much to our family. Every donation helps fund research that gives children like Watson a brighter future and brings us one step closer to better treatments—and one day, a cure. Thank you for supporting Team Watson and helping make a difference for Heart Warriors everywhere.

Ashley Kamler

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