Joseph went into cardiac arrest at 4 hours old. He was immediately medflighted to Boston Children’s Hospital where a life saving cardiac catheterization had to be performed. No one thought he would survive the trip to Boston, but it was his only chance.
Joseph was subsequently diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome with an Intact Atrial Septum ~ a congenital heart defect where the structures on the left side of the heart are severly underdeveloped and essentially useless leaving him with only half a functioning heart. Joseph has endured three open heart surgeries and multiple cardiac catheterizations.
Joseph lives each day full of life and energy that amazes us all. But the medical reality is that his cardiac future is very uncertain. Current technology provides very few options for him and as he grows older ~ his heart will fail as it is working in a way in which it was not intended.
Joseph will turn 4 in December and we are very blessed to still have him with us. Supporting the American Heart Association is one way that we can increase the chances of children like Joseph living a longer, healthier future.
Congenital Heart Defects are the #1 birth defect. Please consider joining the 2010 Heart Walk in honor of children like Joseph. Thank you.
The American Heart Association is the largest voluntary health organization working to prevent, treat and defeat heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. These diseases, the Nation's No.1 and No.3 killers, claim more than 865,000 American lives a year. Thanks to all our walkers, donors and volunteers who have accepted the challenge to help fight heart disease and stroke. We cannot achieve our mission without each one of you!
For more information please contact one of your Start! Heart Walk staff partners at
