Life is so precious.. you really don't think about it until you have to.. In February, we heard the worst news any parent could ever hear "Your baby, will need open heart surgery".
On Monday, April 11th, Atillia had open heart surgery. At 845AM, when they took her from my arms was the worst feeling in the entire world. As a parent, you feel so hopeless. All you can do is pray. I've never prayed so hard in my life.
Those four hours were the longest seconds in my life.
The nurse and surgeon came out and said the surgery was complete and everything was successful. Yes releived, but also so many questions
The next couple days had its ups and downs. But Atillia, truly AMAZED and AMAZES me everyday. Her strength and fight, is truly humbling. CHD babies are called "Heart Warriors" for a reason.

In her teens or 20s she will need her 1st Pulmonary Valve Replacement.

 The doctor's in the hospital said this can hopefully be done in the cath lab but who knows where research and technology will be in 15/20 years. I pray research and technology continue to advance for CHD. Not only for Atillia but for every heart warrior.

Raising funds for congenital heart defect (CHD) research is not only critically important to all babies born with, and children and adults living with CHDs, it is also personally meaningful to me.

By donating to help me reach my fundraising goal, you’re helping to fund the most promising research into CHDs - America’s most common birth defect.

Together we can make a life-saving difference! Thank you in advance for your support.