This July I will be biking 80 miles over mountain passes in Summit & Eagle County in the 30th annual Courage Classic. I will be riding on the Cardiac Climber team to raise money for kids diagnosed with congenital heart defects. I feel privileged to dedicate my ride to Ava, a one and a half year old who was born with single ventricle anatomy. I have been lucky enough to take care of Ava during her many hospitalizations… Ava’s infectious giggle, radiant personality and relentless spirit is incredibly inspiring.
Please read Ava’s story below, written by her mother:
Ava was born December 19, 2017 after being diagnosed with double inlet left ventricle at 24 weeks in utero. She had her first heart surgery at two days old (BT shunt procedure). Ava had her g-tube placed at about 3 weeks old and was in and out of the hospital several times before her second surgery in August of 2018. She had a fenestrated hemi-fontan procedure done. Since this surgery Ava’s progress has taken off. She will need to have one more surgery sometime after she turns two and we are so thankful that Children’s Hospital Colorado, and the cardiology team in particular, will be there for her when it’s time for that!
Despite her time in the hospital and her heart complications, Ava has been above average in all of her developmental testing so far! She is like the energizer bunny, loves to run and play all day! One of her favorite things is animals of any kind…she loves going to the zoo or just seeing squirrels and birds around the neighborhood. She loves music and dancing as well! Ava brings joy everywhere she goes…it just explodes from her being!
I am very excited to ride for Ava, but also for all the other heart warrior kiddos I get to take care of on a daily basis. Congenital heart defects affect 1 in 100 children. Unfortunately these kids are in and out of the hospital for frequent surgeries and procedures. The Courage Classic is not only a personal challenge, but also an opportunity to support positive outcomes and healthier futures for children. Please consider donating to my fundraising page to help raise money for other patients and families like Ava.
