Kendra is our inspiring 5-year-old who was diagnosed in utero at 22 weeks with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) and Unbalanced AV Canal. Born at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, she faced her first open-heart surgery (the Norwood Procedure) at only 11 days old. That night, Kendra went into cardiac arrest, requiring 45 minutes of CPR and three days on ECMO life support. After 45 days in the hospital, we finally brought her home.

At 4 months old, she had her second open-heart surgery (the Glenn Procedure). In March 2022, she received a stent in her left pulmonary artery as part of a groundbreaking study on the Renata Minima Stent, a device expandable to adult size. Most recently, she completed her third open-heart surgery (the Fontan) in September 2024. Kendra has her cardiology appt at the end of February. 

Through it all, Kendra has shown extraordinary courage and resilience. She is a smart, kind, and strong little girl who inspires everyone around her. She started full time Pre- K! We are profoundly grateful to her incredible medical team, especially her surgeon, Dr. Lehenbauer, and her lifelong cardiologist, Dr. Heydarian, at Cincinnati Children’s Heart Institute. Having such an amazing hospital nearby has been such a blessing for our family.  

Walk along with us or make a tax deductible donation today for further much needed research/cure for CHD!