At Callie’s first pediatric appointment late on a Friday afternoon at 4 days old, her doctor asked us what the pediatrician at the hospital said about her heart murmur. Matt and I were completely caught off guard because as far as we knew, we had a healthy baby girl. With the upcoming weekend we knew we wouldn’t be able to get in to see a cardiologist until the following week. Luckily the cardiologist returned our call immediately and scheduled to see us first thing Monday morning.

After undergoing her exam and tests, we got her diagnosis of Atrial Septal Defect (a hole in her heart) and a unicuspid Aortic Valve. Her ASD can fix itself overtime (and it has been.. very slowly) but her AVS will not and has caused other complications. Fortunately, her case did not require immediate intervention. Since 2017, we’ve had our ups and downs, tests and labs, restrictions and medications, but we still remain with a great team looking out for her best interest. It’s not an “if”, but it’s a matter of “when” she will have to undergo open heart surgery.

Though she does not show her illness on the outside, she is well aware of her “special” heart and has embraced her condition with an eagerness to learn more. She knows she’s not alone but there are numerous others going through similar situations as her. We hope that research continues to improve the procedures and interventions needed to help these heart warriors, ours especially, in the coming years. And that is exactly why we are participating in the Congential Heart Walk - to support 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 joining us on the walk and/or supporting our fundraising efforts. Together, we can raise the funds essential to drive forward life-saving research. Your contribution holds immeasurable value to our family.

Thank you for your generosity, and for standing beside us on this mission.