Charlie's Sidekicks have been participating in the Congenital Heart Walk since our superhero was only 9 months old. Charlie was diagnosed in-utero with Pulmonary Atresia, a complex Congenital Heart Defect that led to one side of his heart failing to develop or function properly. At one-day old, Charlie underwent a cardiac catheterization for an initial fix, and then at 5-months he had his first open heart surgery.

During the summer of 2020, Charlie had his second open heart surgery. The doctors completed the Fontan circulation which means they permanently set up his heart to function with only 2 chambers (instead of four like most people have). And, if you ask Charlie, that's when they officially gave him his superhero heart. As with every step of his journey, Charlie surpassed expectations, and continues to thrive, with no day-to-day restrictions or limitations. 

Like any complex medical condition, Charlie will never fully be out of the woods. He will continue to see his cardiologist to be monitored, and he will continue to rely on the type of research that The Children's Heart Foundation funds.

For the last five years (has it really been that long?!?!) Charlie's family and friends have supported us by walking and donating to our team. Help us extend our streak of being in the top 10 teams to six years, and more importantly, help us raise money to fund research into the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of congenital heart defects that will help Charlie and countless other heart warriors.

Thank you!