On the morning of October 14, 2013, our first grandchild, Ms. Teighan Sophia Garrett entered this world a full three weeks ahead of her due date. Weighing in at 5 pounds, 13 ounces, she was tiny, but to all appearances, perfect, except for slight jaundice and what seemed initially to be a slight heart murmur. While we were assured that neither is unusual or dangerous, out of an abundance of caution, she was placed in the NICU at Cabell Huntington Hospital. Due to the diligence and compassion of Dr. Jack Stines, Pediatric Cardiologist, it was soon discovered through an echocardiogram that the "minor" murmur was something more serious and he recommended she be seen in a larger, more specialized medical facility. At 3 days old, Teighan was whisked via helicopter to Cincinnati Children's Hospital, chosen because of its proximity, its prominence as one of the nation's premier pediatric cardiology units, and the fact that we have family in Cincinnati. There she was assessed by Dr. Robert Beekman and diagnosed with aortic stenosis, a narrowing of the aortic valve, impeding delivery of blood from the heart to the body, caused by congenital bicuspid aortic valve.  On her 5th day on this earth, Teighan underwent balloon dilation valvuloplasty through cardiac catheterization via her umbilical artery, thus sparing her from open heart surgery. After a two-week stay in the CCH NICU, with her mama with her the entire time, Teighan was released to the care of Dr. Stines in Huntington, with further follow-up at CCH unnecessary for now. Continued monitoring has concluded that while the condition persists, she is doing quite well and is living the normal, active life of a now-9-year-old. She is an outstanding third grade student, reading at the fifth grade level. She enjoys playing Roblox with her friends, aerobic and hip hop dance, and tormenting her 7-year-old brother. On any given day, you will find her performing one-handed cartwheels rather than walking, and dreaming of being a vet or a contestant on America's Got Talent.  Without the research conducted from the funds raised by the American Heart Association and her excellent medical treatment, much of this would not be possible, certainly not the procedures that even 10 years ago would have had to be resolved with open heart surgery. It is our fervent hope that should valve replacement be required in her future, it can be done through catheterization, a procedure designed through progressive medical research with funding from the AHA.  Teighan's future is bright and full of promise. We couldn't be more grateful to the AHA and the donors who sustain this fine organization, both for Teighan's ongoing condition and for the lives of family members who either currently suffer from or have succumbed to heart disease or stroke. 

If you walked with us last year, you know we created a brand new tie-dyed team shirt in honor of Teighan's favorite colors, hot pink and teal. Please plan to wear those for the walk. If you are new this year and contribute more than $50 as an individual or $75 for two walkers from the same household, please add $10 for each to your donation and we will order you a shirt. Your ENTIRE tax-deductible donation will go directly to the AHA. Please email your size in a cotton unisex t-shirt to lindapersun@aol.com, but please be quick as our shirt order has to be submitted by April 12.

Have a heart and help our team exceed our goal! Every dollar counts! Please give from your heart and come join us as we walk to mend broken hearts! We are beyond thankful for all our support.