OUR HEART STORY
Once upon a time in the year 2010 at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital in Nashville, TN, three families were forever joined by Courage, Hope, and Determination. Our children, born with a congenital heart defect (CHD) called hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), would fight for their lives over the course of three major heart surgeries, and, in one case, a heart transplant. One son, Tristan, was embraced by his Father in heaven.
Even with the heartache and struggle, our families have experienced so much joy and hope in the lives of these children. In response to our personal journeys, the families of Blake & Tristan, Jude, and Ayden will be participating in the May 16th Nashville Congenital Heart Walk as the Lionhearts.
Why help us fundraise for the event?
Congenital heart disease is the most common birth defect and the leading cause for birth-defect-related deaths worldwide. How common? Nearly 1 in 100 babies are born with a congenital heart defect. Congenital heart defects are actually 60 times more prevalent than childhood cancer. However, unless one has family or friends who have a child with a heart defect, one doesn't hear much about CHD.
Awareness is important to medical advancement. Awareness provides funds. Our families are grateful for medical advancements. Had our boys been born before 1981 (the first successful Norwood procedure was performed that year), they would not have survived more than a few days. Certainly, there is a need for research funds, for medical support, for family support, and for awareness. We will be fighting the heart battle for the remainder of our lives, both for our sons and for other families. These children are worth the fight!
"Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the Lord" (Psalm 31:24).
To join us in the walk or to donate to the cause, please go to the following address: http://events.congenitalheartwalk.org/site/TR/Walk/General?team_id=2450&pg=team&fr_id=1150
Links to Blake and Jude's stories can be found to the right of our blog page under "Folks We Follow."
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| Ayden with his little brother, Brogan |
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| Blake with his twin sister, Lauren |
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| Jude with his little brother, Samuel |
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