2020 has brought much heartache and hardship to all of us. Despite this, babies like my buddy Walker have continued to fight congenital heart disease. CHCO continues to advocate and care for these amazing kiddos and needs help in providing the utmost of care. If you are in a place to donate, every dollar will be directed toward the heart institute. Thank you and be well! -Aimee

From Walker’s parents (Kristin and Doug): 

"In May 2017 Doug and I found out we were expecting a little bundle of joy. As the pregnancy progressed we looked forward to decorating the nursery, bringing our baby home, and watching him/her grow. In September we entered our anatomy scan excited to find out what the gender of our baby was. We found out we were expecting a bouncing baby boy and that he was going to be born with a serious heart condition known as HLHS.The following days brought more doctors, scans, and many tears. We were soon referred to the Children’s Hospital in Colorado.

In January we relocated from Albuquerque to Denver so that our boy could receive the lifesaving treatment he needed. On January 31st our beautiful little boy made his appearance.From the moment Walker was born the staff at Children’s Hospital has worked miracle after miracle to save our little prince. In under four months of life Walker survived two open heart surgeries, four cath procedures, a punctured lung, cardiac arrest, chest compressions, and countless scans.

We are now in a waiting period to find out if Walker will qualify for his Fontan or if we need to prepare for a heart transplant. He has had his ups and downs, and we worry daily about his future. We are so thankful for the team in Denver and know they love him as much as we do.

Walker is now 2 years old and back home in Albuquerque. He is now walking and talking like crazy. He loves music, dancing, and playing with his cousins. We cherish every milestone he achieves and are beyond blessed to call him ours. Walker faces a lifelong journey with a congenital heart defect. It is because of the wonderful staff at this hospital that we get to hold, love, and watch our baby boy grow. We will forever be grateful for their tireless efforts, support, and hope."