When I was 21 weeks pregnant, we learned that my son, Ethan, had a Congenital Heart Defect known as transposition of the great arteries. After his birth, doctors also discovered coarctation of the aorta. At just 14 days old, he underwent open-heart surgery.

Our ultimate goal is to fill Ethan's childhood with things that have nothing to do with his heart: memories, experiences, and adventures.

Then another cardiology appointment approaches, and the questions become harder to put aside. We wait to learn whether anything has changed and what it might mean for his future. Good news brings relief. It doesn't always bring the feeling that we're out of the woods.

That's a part of our experience we want to share this year. A successful surgery is an enormous milestone, and families can still live with uncertainty afterward. We can be grateful for today and worried about tomorrow. We can enjoy ordinary life and still carry the mental weight of our time in the hospital.

It's why the Heart Walk continues to matter to us. Research matters long after a child comes home. We want continued progress in understanding and treating congenital heart defects for Ethan as he grows, and for families just beginning this experience.

This year, we're raising $1,500 for the American Heart Association through the Tampa Bay Heart Walk on November 14.

If you're able, please make a donation. Sharing this page with someone who might want to help means a lot, too.

Thank you for supporting Ethan, our family, and the work that gives us hope for the years ahead.