CHD affects 1 in 100 births every year in the US. Congenital heart defects means this is present at birth and the defect may be some type of deformity, a hole in the heart or missing pieces of the heart. In Harrison’s case, he has all of the above. There are many different types of heart defects with Harrison’s being extremly rare occuring in 0.05 to 0.1 of every 1,000 births. Harrison’s defect is called double inlet left ventricle along with pulmonary stenosis, transposition of great vessels, ventricular septal defect and hypoplastic right ventricle. Double inlet left ventricle accounts for just 1% of all heart defects. The cause of these defects are unknown. While there are treatments for CHD, there is no cure and is a lifelong disease. These defects are usually found at the 20 week anatomy scan but sometimes are not found until after birth. In Harrison’s almost two years of life he has been through more than some of us will go through our entire life. He has scars on his neck, hands, chest, belly, legs and feet that makes him even more unique and handsome. He has had 3 heart caths, one open heart surgery and more to come. The strongest baby I have ever known. I will never forget the day at my 20 week anatomy scan when I heard the words "I am sorry but there is something wrong with his heart". I hope to spread awareness for my baby and all the others battling this unfair disease so that maybe one day in the near future with ongoing research there will be a complete fix. Saturday, May 10th is the 2025 Huntsville heart walk and I want to invite you guys to come walk that day in honor of my heart warrior.
