Mazie was diagnosed with heterotaxy at our 20-week anatomy scan. Heterotaxy is a rare condition in which the internal organs are arranged differently than expected and is often associated with congenital heart defects (CHDs).

After a fetal echocardiogram and consultation with a pediatric cardiologist, we were told that Mazie had hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), one of the most severe forms of CHD. We later learned that she also had coarctation of the aortic arch.

But our Amazing Mazie surprised everyone.

Despite everything her echocardiograms seemed to indicate, the left side of Mazie’s heart continued to grow while she was in utero. At birth, it was only mildly small, and once normal circulation was established, the left side expanded even more. Today, Mazie has four normal-sized chambers!

At just 4 days old, Mazie underwent her first open-heart surgery to repair the coarctation of her aorta. At 3½ months old, she had another surgery to correct malrotation of her intestines.

Last year, less then two weeks after her sixth birthday, Mazie underwent her second open-heart surgery to remove a subaortic membrane that was causing an obstruction in her heart. She continues to be monitored, but is back to our energetic girl.

Through every diagnosis, procedure, surgery, and follow-up, Mazie has shown us what it means to be a true CHD warrior.

WHY WE ARE MARCHING

Research has already made an incredible difference for children like Mazie. CHD-related deaths in the United States have declined by 37.5% since 1999. But there is still so much work to be done.

CHDs remain a leading cause of birth defect-related illness and infant death, yet research remains significantly underfunded. Continued investment in specialized research is critical to improving diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and long-term outcomes for children born with congenital heart defects.

We are marching for Mazie—and for every child and family affected by CHD.

Our goal is to help advance the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of congenital heart defects by supporting the most promising research.

HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Your support can make a meaningful impact.

Donate: Your donation can help fund critical CHD research and programs aimed at improving treatments, outcomes, and survival.

Join our team: Walk alongside us and help raise awareness for congenital heart defects.

Share Mazie’s story: Help educate others about CHD and the continued need for research, screening, advocacy, and funding.

Every donation, every share, and every person who joins us helps move CHD research forward.

Donate Today & Join the Fight Against CHD

Your support means more than you know. It provides hope, research, resources, and the possibility of a brighter future for children born with congenital heart defects.

Together, we can help give CHD warriors like Mazie the chance to grow, thrive, and keep amazing us.