In 2009, my son, CJ, was born with a severe Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) called Hypo-Plastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS). Due to this, he had to undergo several major open heart surgeries. While nearly living in the hospital for months, suffering mentally and emotionally from the ups and downs that followed the procedures needed for him to survive, it was during those long days and nights, unsure of what the future of his little life would hold, that I realized, this was all for a purpose.

There was a purpose behind what I was going through. In 2010, my son was released from the hospital. As I joyously watched him recover in our home, I reflected on some of those nights in the hospital and the other parents I saw who had experienced some of the same difficulties. I realized, there was a need for knowledge, information and for advocacy. I saw a need to foster a sense of hope and encouragement in the lives of children who were suffering from various heart conditions, as well as their families. Also, I saw a need for financial support for those traveling to see their ailing children in the hospital.

This experience inspired me to establish the Warrior Hearts Foundation, to help others who were also in need. I wrote on a poster board the name of the organization and the year I planned to have it established and put it on my refrigerator. Now, almost 10 years later my son’s health condition is stable and I am seeing what I was inspired to do almost a decade ago come to fruition.

The Warrior Hearts Foundation is more than just an organization, we are here to provide a sense of hope for children with Congenital Heart Defects. We are here to provide encouragement and to provide knowledge and information to families, enabling them to become better advocates for their children. We are here to provide emotional support and financial support where it may be needed. CHD is a serious condition and the Warrior Hearts Foundation is serious about our cause. Have a Heart. Help a Heart. Get Involved.