Our team was started by my two older kids as a way for them to honor their little brother, Nathan, who was born with a heart defect. At the beginning we were Team Nathan. Our team grew and expanded to now include Nathan and three other awesome kids and their families who we now call our heart family. We changed the name of our team to Little Heart Heroes to honor Nathan, Sammy, Mitch, Sophie and Anthony.
Nathan had open heart surgery at 6 months old for a huge ventricular septal defect (hole between the two lower chambers of the heart). He was in congestive heart failure and had and enlarged heart and liver because of the defect and was on heart medication until after his surgery. Now he is a happy, healthy and active 12 year old who loves to play baseball, ride his bike, play with friends and spend time with his family. His heart and liver are now normal size and he is not on any medication. He is not cured, just repaired. Because of the defect and surgery, he is more prone to developing problems with his heart, heart rhythm and heart valves as he grows and gets older. If he does, we hope that because of research made possible by contributions to the AHA, that he can continue to live a long, happy and healthy life.
Nathan is my Why! Join me in supporting the American Heart Association!
I’m not just walking. I’m Heartwalking.
Imagine the impact if we reduce death and disability from cardiovascular diseases and stroke by 20 percent by 2020. Please help me reach this lifesaving goal by donating today. Together, we can make healthier, longer lives possible for everyone.
Thank you in advance for your support!
