In November 2023, our daughter Ellie was seen for a heart murmur, which is very common in children. During her cardiologist appointment, she was diagnosed with ALCAPA, a rare and life threatening congenital heart defect. We were immediately admitted to Children's Hospital in Boston, where they confirmed the diagnosis and scheduled open heart surgery two days later. Ellie spent 8 days recovering in the CICU, followed by a few days in the ACCU.

Children's Hospital doctors and nurses saved Ellie's life when we didn't even know there was a problem. Ellie's surgeon warned that she was on the precipice of irreversible heart damage that we were lucky enough to avoid. While not part of Children's Hospital, we would be remissed to not mention Ellie's pediatrician and outpatient cardiologist who contributed to Ellie getting life saving surgery.

We were lucky to have good health insurance, and Mark's co workers were generous enough to cover Ellie's entire deductible. We are also fortunate to live close to one of the best pediatric cardiology hospitals in the world, but we know there are many who are not so lucky. We are walking and fundraising to hopefully support children and families who find themselves in a similar situation to Ellie.

I'm participating in the Eversource Walk for Boston Children’s Hospital on June 9.

Every dollar I raise funds breakthrough research and vital care and support services for sick kids and their families. Your gift will:

  -  give children battling the most complex diseases treatments they can’t find anywhere else;
  -  help children in your town and across the world get a second chance;
  -  fuel 3,600+ researchers working to find cures;
  -  fund hospital activities like art and music programs to bring patients joy and hasten healing;
  -  help patient-families in crisis with urgent needs, including housing, food and clothing;
  - bring crucial care to families through not one, but four, outpatient psychiatry clinics;
  - and so much more.

 

Please support my fundraising and help the children and families at Boston Children’s and beyond.