Mathew is my why.

At 28 weeks pregnant, my husband and I learned that our baby had a congenital heart defect called Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and would need open-heart surgery shortly after birth in order to survive.

At just 3 weeks old, Mathew underwent open-heart surgery. While that surgery saved his life, TOF is a lifelong condition, and it will not be the last procedure he faces on his journey.

This November, our family will be walking in support of the American Heart Association and all the children and families impacted by congenital heart defects. We walk for babies like Mathew. We walk because Life Is Why.

If you're able, please consider making a donation to help me reach my fundraising goal. Every contribution supports the American Heart Association's work in research, education, advocacy, and patient support.

Donations are made in honor of Mathew but do not directly benefit him or our family. All funds go directly to the American Heart Association.

Thank you for supporting a cause that means so much to us.