Thank you for visiting my fundraising page for the Congenital Heart Walk. Raising funds for CHD research is critically important to all Heart Warriors and Heart Angels, and personally very meaningful to me.

Being a part of the Congenital Heart Walk 3 years ago was such an inspiration to all of us. Watching our little heart warrior, Marissa walk most of those 3 miles with us was something to see. With a smile on her face, a twinkle in her eyes, and only laughter to be heard, she never once complained. She and the many other children and young adults there were such an inspiration to all. 2020 was a year like none other. All in person heart walks were cancelled. Instead of traveling to Hershey in May of 2020 for the Hershey Heart Walk, Team Marissa took to the track at our local high school and had our very own virtual walk. Marissa put on her warrior cape and off we went. Never once did she complain...other than to say she missed all the kids from last year's walk. That little girl walked her 3 miles on that track! In August, 2021, we were back for our in-person walk at City Island, Harrisburg. Another great walk and successful fundraising campaign!  Here we are in 2022 getting ready for our heart walk on April 30th at City Island, Harrisburg. Marissa will be 5 years old in March and is so looking forward to her next walk. Recently, Marissa had to have an early echocardiogram. We've been told that there is more regurgitaion in the mitral and Tricuspid valves; the mitral valve being worse. So now we monitor her and go for a repeat echo in July. We now have the possibility of having to put her on heart medication, knowing down the road those valves will quite possibly need replaced. All those memories from that first surgery come flooding back at the thought of even having to have a second surgery. With a smile on her face and a twinkle in those big brown eyes, she says, "Don't worry, I got this!"  No one can begin to understand the emotions, the fear, and the anxiety that not only the children but  their families as well experience when told your daughter, granddaughter has a congenital heart defect, specifically AVSD. Seeing my granddaughter attached to so many wires, IV lines, and tubes was horrible! Feeling so helpless was horrible! While she was only in the PICU for 4 days and did wonderful, they were 4 very long, anxious days. Every beep, every alarm that sounded gave way to more anxiety and fear. Those beeps and alarms we still hear in our sleep. So when you see that sweet little girl with all her curls, remember your donation towards the CHD research helped Marissa too. 

 One cannot imagine just how many children are or have been affected by CHD until you are part of such a special event such as this. 

Please help us to fund CHD research by making a donation to my personal fundraising page. Together we can make a life-saving difference!