We're truly grateful for your visit to our team page!
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.
Every 15 minutes in the United States, a baby is born with a congenital heart defect, making CHDs the most common birth defect in our country. The Congenital Heart Walk is dedicated to making a difference. Our mission is clear - we aim to raise funds to support The Children's Heart Foundation in its quest to advance the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of CHDs by funding groundbreaking research.
We invite you to join us in this mission. By supporting our team or even walking with us, you're contributing to research that can save and enhance the lives of infants born with CHDs, as well as children and adults living with these conditions. Your support makes a significant impact, and for that, we want to say a heartfelt thank you.
Will you join us in making a real difference? Please consider supporting our team or walking with us. Every step we take brings us closer to improving the lives of those affected by congenital heart defects.