We are supporting the Courage Classic for patients like our son, William, whom we call William the Warrior.
William was born at Children's Hospital Colorado with a diagnosis of Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and congenital renal agenesis. He has undergone two open heart surgeries, the Norwood procedure at four days of age, and the Glenn at four months old. In his first 6 months of life, William spent almost half of that time in the Children's Hospital Colorado CICU or CPCU.
Today, William is thriving. He continues to see several specialists besides his cardiologist and nephrologist. He is catching up on his gross motor skills and gaining weight like a champ. In his short little life, he has overcome more than we could have imagined possible. He is such a happy baby. He is a fighter.
William still has one more open heart surgery ahead of him, around age 2.
We ride with the Cardiac Climbers. The funds raised will directly impact The Heart Institute, where William has been cared for in both the Cardiac ICU and the Cardiac Progressive Care Unit. We know that his success is in great part because of the excellent care we have received through Children's Hospital Colorado, specifically The Heart Institute.
William will not be the last child to face a life-threatening illness, and our family will not be the last to navigate a frightening diagnosis.
The Courage Classic is not only a personal challenge, but also an opportunity to support positive outcomes and healthier futures for children, including our own.