On December 26, 2004, I was born with a Congenital Heart Defect known as a VSD. This is a hole/opening between the 2 lower chambers of the heart that disrupts the normal flow of blood through the heart causing the heart and lungs to work harder. Over the course of my life doctors continued to test and monitor my condition and believed my VSD would close on its own and would never need surgical intervention. However, in the Spring of 2020, at age 15 everything changed. At my yearly routine check up, my cardiologist informed my family and I that I would need open heart surgery for my VSD and for a muscle bundle that had formed inside my heart to be removed by means of open-heart surgery. This news was very gut wrenching for me and my family. That summer on July 2, 2020, I underwent open-heart surgery at St.Louis Children’s Hospital. Thanks to the amazing doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers, I was able to have a successful surgery and full recovery. Without their help, I wouldn’t be living the happy healthy life I am able to live today. My experience with a congenital heart defect and overcoming open heart surgery has inspired me to pursue a nursing degree and dedicate my life to helping others. Coming up on 4 years since I have had my surgery, I am starting a fundraiser through the Children’s Heart Foundation for kids like me living with a CHD. Every donation counts and goes towards vital CHD research to advance diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of congenital heart defects and offers those living with CHD a chance at living a longer healthier life. Please help me share this post to help reach my goal of raising $5000 for this amazing foundation. Every monetary donation is greatly appreciated. Together we can make a difference!❤️ LINK TO MY STORY & FUNDRAISER IN BIO!