Hi, my name is Jace Fasburg. I am 5 years old and was born with a rare congenital heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. Which means I was born with Half a Heart. I only have a single ventricle. So, my heart is not able to oxygenate my blood like everyone else's.
I required Open Heart Surgery right after I was born in order to live. In fact, I went into Cardiac Arrest as they were prepping me for my 1st Open Heart Surgery! Thankfully, my amazing heart surgeon saved my life on that operating table, then went on to perform my 1st Open Heart Surgery.
A typical Single Ventrical child will require a series of 3 Open Heart Surgeries. (The Norwood, Glen, and Fontan). I have underwent 7 Open Heart Surgeries and a Pacemaker implantation all before the age of 5!
These surgeries are not a permanent fix for my heart, but they do extend my life. We are not sure when, but eventually, I will need a heart transplant and most likely a liver transplant too.
But wait! There is some amazing research being done! A man named Dr. Mark Rodefeld has invented a device called a Fontan Pump. This pump could save my life without me needing a heart tranplant! Right now this pump still needs a very important piece. A battery that can be implanted.
Right now, Dr. Rodefeld is able to run this pump on a highly sofistocated electrical system that would requre a patient to be hooked up to a device with wires at all times. Although very impressive. Dr. Rodefeld is doing research to invent an implanted battery that can handle the Fontan Pump, where patients are able to swim, travel, and more! Once invented, the device would need to go through clinical trials before it could be FDA approved.
Did you know all funds raised by the West Michigan Congenital Heart Walk go directly to the The Children's Heart Foundation for CHD research. Some of these funds have been used to fund D. Rodefeld's research which have led to the invention of the Fontan Pump! A lot of work still needs to be done and a lot of funds need to still be raised, not only for the Fontan Pump, but for many other research projects that will benefit so many heart kids!
The West Michigan Congenital Heart Walk is on August 2nd. We would be so grateful if you would consider donating to this wonderful organization. Your donation could save so many heart kids lives, including mine!
I want to express my heartfelt thanks for taking a moment to visit my fundraising page.
This year, I'm walking with extra purpose as The Children's Heart Foundation celebrates 30 incredible years of funding research that saves lives and changes futures. My commitment to making a difference has led me to participate in the Congenital Heart Walk, an event that carries immense significance for me—especially knowing that for three decades, CHF has been the leading force behind the treatments and surgical advances that help children with congenital heart defects thrive.
It's not just a walk; it's a stride toward the next 30 years of hope. This endeavor is all about supporting The Children's Heart Foundation's crucial mission—advancing the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of congenital heart defects through groundbreaking research that improves survival rates, reduces complications, and helps Heart Warriors celebrate more birthdays than ever before.
I warmly invite you to become a part of this milestone journey by supporting my fundraising efforts. Together, we can raise the funds essential to continue the life-saving research that turns heartbreak into hope. Your contribution holds immeasurable value to me and to every family who needs CHF's support.
Thank you for your generosity, and for standing beside me in this mission. Your support means the world.
