This marks our 3rd annual participation in the Children’s Heart Walk. We cannot believe that it has been 3 years already!

For those of you new to our story or who would like a refresher, I will briefly introduce myself, my family, and share why we walk…

My husband and I became parents for the second time in August of 2017. Never did we expect for our new, beautiful baby boy Theodore to be diagnosed with heart conditions that would require immediate attention and open heart surgery. We brought him home from the hospital and spent 12 whole days together before we knew something was wrong. Through immediate action at the pediatrician’s office, 911 was called and he was transferred to our local ED via ambulance. There, he was stabilized, intubated, and prepared for transport via medivac to Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital.

We found out on the 13th day of his life that he was born with a coarctation of the aorta (a narrowing that constricts blood flow), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), and a ventricular septal defect (or VSD- a hole between the 2 ventricles of the heart). We experienced our emergency because his PDA continued to close which in turn was inhibiting blood and oxygen circulation.

Theo had successful open heart surgery in September of 2017. We spent a few short weeks at the hospital and now see cardiology routinely. All of that chaos occurred within the 1st month of his life and it is through an immense amount of support, love, and prayers that this whole experience has been so positive. God has shown His grace to us in unending ways. We are so happy to report that Theodore’s heart is doing well! We see the cardiologist again in March and hope that things are "ticking" right along!

Now, we choose to advocate, fundraise, and walk to bring light to stories and children just like Theo. However, many do not share such happy outcomes. CHD has claimed the lives of many of my heart momma friends. Their sweet beautiful children never got to see what the days, months, and years ahead will hold. These heart angels left behind parents who are broken and carrying an understandable feeling of emptyness. I pray for a day that this no longer occurs. I pray for my heart "family"- all of those affected by congenital heart disease.

There is an exciting time just ahead! February is National Heart Month! Specifically, February 7-14 is Congenital Heart Defects Awareness Week! Did you know that approximately 1 in 110 babies are born with a congenital heart defect (CHD)? 25% of these cases require life-saving surgery. That makes our son Theodore a pretty special little man!

This is our why. The Hershey Congenital Heart Walk is on May 23rd, 2020. Would you please consider supporting us? Your donation directly helps the Children’s Heart Foundation fight CHD. It allows for research, technological advancements, and better outcomes!

Let's make a difference & be part of a change! Thank you for reading this & for your charitable support!

Sincerely,

Theo's mom, Noel.