American Heart Association Heart Walk

This is the first year that we will participate in the AHA Heart Walk (May 30th) and we will be walking in honor of Ethan. All the money that our team raises will be used to fund LOCAL research for Congenital Heart Defects. This means that Ethan and so many other children will be directly impacted! If you would like to donate in honor of Ethan, you may do so at his heart walk website. Thanks so much.

Just a swingin'

Am I losing my mind?!?

Yesterday, I went to Old Navy with Ethan and Levi. I went through the checkout, walked out the store and realized that I had bought two swim suits for Levi by mistake - I had forgotten to put one back after I had decided which one I wanted. So, I walked back in and returned it. We left for a second time when I realized that I hadn't bought the jeans that Ethan had JUST TRIED ON! So, went back in and got the jeans off the rack and went through the check out again! I went through the check out THREE times! I know they thought I had lost it!

CHD Picnic

Our whole family attended an "indoor picnic" on Sunday with other families who have been impacted by congenital heart defects. Here is a picture of me introducing Ethan to Sarah, an adult who was born with a CHD. She came to visit Ethan after his second surgery, and it was a special opportunity for me to be able to introduce them again. Sarah is showing Ethan that she has a scar on her chest, just like him. Sarah just had her pulmonary valve replaced about 6 months ago. She has had several open heart surgeries and they have all been done at Children's Mercy Hospital. They don't only perform open heart surgeries on children!

technology is advancing

When Ethan was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect, we were involuntarily thrown into a whole new world. It is a world that I wish we didn't have to live in, but for some reason, it was God's plan for our family. It is exciting to see things like this Growing a Heart clip and this Regeneration of Cells video. Our bodies are fearfully and wonderfully made by the Creator, and I am so glad that He gives humans wisdom and skill to learn new ways to save lives.

I am a member of a support group called CHD Families. It is for parents of children with heart defects. At our January meeting, we heard Dr. Hopkins of Children's Mercy Hospital speak about some groundbreaking research that is taking place right here at CMH in regards to heart valve replacements. It is pretty incredible!

Who does Levi look like?

We get this question all the time. Here are pictures of each of the kids at one year. Who do you think Levi looks like?

Levi

Ethan

Isaac

Abigail

Congenital Heart Futures Act

Just this past Tuesday, the Congenital Heart Futures Act was introduced in both the House and the Senate. In order for this piece of legislation to pass, it has to get majority support from both the House and Senate. This is groundbreaking news for all those living with a CHD and all those yet to be born with a CHD. If this passes, Ethan and so many others will be directly impacted!