Hello friends! I am asking for contributions to the Children’s Heart Foundation. As many of you know, Ben has received several heart valves. These have needed to be replaced due to wear and tear as well as him growing. Currently he has a mechanical valve as well as a bioprosthetic valve (we tell him that he’s part robot and part cow). He also received donated human valves as a baby, thanks to bereaved parents who gave the gift of organ & tissue donation. 

As a 6th grader, Ben is quite a bit larger than the 4lb preemie he was at his first surgery. It would be a game changer if kids like Ben could get valves that would grow with them. Instead, Ben has gone through open heart surgery 4 times and counting. The CHF funds a lot of research, and one recent  project is looking to meet this need. See below for more information.

Please consider making a donation to support research that helps heart heroes like Ben. ❤️?

"The Children's Heart Foundation recently funded a new research project by Robert Tranquillo at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities called "Growing Transcatheter Pulmonary Stent Valve for Congenital Heart Disease”.

About 20% of congenital heart disease cases require heart valve replacements, but current valves don’t grow with the child, leading to multiple risky surgeries.

To solve this, researchers are developing a transcatheter valve—delivered to the heart instead of open heart surgery—that can grow and self-repair using the child’s own cells. Made from a special biological material and a flexible stent, this valve could provide a lifelong solution, with testing first in a pilot study with lambs if preclinical testing proves successful."

I want to express my heartfelt thanks for taking a moment to visit my fundraising page.

My commitment to making a difference has led me to participate in the Congenital Heart Walk, an event that carries immense significance for me. It's not just a walk; it's a stride toward changing lives. This endeavor is all about supporting The Children's Heart Foundation and their crucial mission - advancing the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of congenital heart defects through groundbreaking research.

I warmly invite you to become a part of this significant journey by supporting my fundraising efforts. Together, we can raise the funds essential to drive forward life-saving research. Your contribution holds immeasurable value to me.

Thank you for your generosity, and for standing beside me in this mission. Your support means the world.