MEET OUR FOUNDER
The Warrior Hearts Foundation was founded in 2019 by Tomy’Ra Lowe-Batemon, inspired by her son, Carmus Bateman, also known as CJ, who was born with a severe congenital heart defect called hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). CJ was a patient at LeBonheur Children’s Hospital and underwent several heart surgeries.
While in the hospital, Tomy’Ra recognized the need to foster hope and encouragement in the hearts of children and families who were facing similar challenges. The Warrior Hearts Foundation was born out of this need and has since partnered with LeBonheur and other organizations to assess and meet the needs of little Heart Warriors just like her son.
To date, the Warrior Hearts Foundation has donated toys to LeBonheur annually, along with clothes and, more recently, infant nursery equipment to the Cardiac Unit. The foundation’s goal is to raise awareness of congenital heart defects and make a long-lasting difference.
With your support, the Warrior Hearts Foundation has, and will continue to, carry out its mission of aiding and assisting children with congenital heart defects and their families.
OUR STORY
In 2009, my son CJ was born with a severe Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) known as Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS). His condition required multiple open-heart surgeries, and during that time, our family essentially lived in the hospital. Those months were filled with emotional and mental exhaustion as we navigated the constant uncertainty of his survival. Each day brought a new challenge, and as I watched him fight for his life, I realized there was a deeper purpose behind what we were experiencing.
When CJ was finally discharged from the hospital in 2010, our relief was profound. Yet, in the midst of our joy, I couldn’t help but reflect on the other families I had met and parents who, like me, were battling feelings of helplessness, fear, and overwhelming stress. Many of them were also facing significant financial burdens, having to leave work or travel long distances to be with their children. These families, and the challenges they faced, opened my eyes to the need for something greater.
It became clear to me that there was a pressing need not only for medical care but also for comprehensive support for families dealing with CHD. Families needed more information, more resources, and more advocacy to help them make informed decisions for their children. Additionally, I recognized the critical importance of providing emotional, financial, and educational support to these families—support that could offer them hope in the midst of their struggles.
This realization led to the creation of the Warrior Hearts Foundation. The idea, written on a poster board and placed on my refrigerator, was a promise to myself, my son and the families I had met that we would create something meaningful. Today, over a decade later, that vision has come to life.
The Warrior Hearts Foundation is dedicated to more than just raising awareness. We are committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of children with Congenital Heart Defects and their families. By offering resources and emotional support, we empower families to become stronger advocates for their children and help them navigate the complex journey of CHD. Our mission is to foster a community where no family has to face these challenges alone.
We invite you to join us in this mission. By connecting with Warrior Hearts, you’re not just supporting a cause—you’re helping to change the trajectory of families' lives and giving children the opportunity for a brighter future. Together, we can provide the support these families need during their most challenging times.
Have a Heart. Help a Heart. Get Involved.
