We're truly grateful for your visit to our team page!
Finn Paul Cavanaugh was born on November 7th, 2022 with a complex congenital heart defect called Tetralogy of Fallot—four structural heart defects that left his body struggling for the oxygen it needed. At just 3 months old, on February 6th, 2023, he underwent open-heart surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital, where a dedicated team was able to complete a full repair.
That summer, during a routine follow-up, Finn’s cardiology team discovered that less than 20% of blood was reaching his left lung due to a kink in his anatomy created by the changes from surgery. He underwent a cardiac catheterization to place a large pulmonary artery stent. His left-lung perfusion is still not where it needs to be, and someday he will need a pulmonary valve replacement, since his original valve couldn’t be spared during his repair. CHD research continues to move forward every day, bringing hope that his next intervention might one day be done in the cath lab instead of through another open-heart surgery—an extraordinary difference in risk and recovery.
On top of his heart challenges, even common illnesses can be dangerous for Finn. He has been hospitalized more than once with respiratory distress, where something as simple as a cold can quickly turn into nights in the hospital, oxygen monitors, and careful watch.
And yet—this little boy refuses to let any of it dim his light. Finn is funny, wildly stubborn in the best possible way, and has the best head of hair in all of Boston! His spirit fills every room he enters. He is brave, joyful, determined, and impossibly strong for someone so small.
It has been a long, unpredictable road, and Finn will be followed by cardiology for the rest of his life. His journey is far from over, but he never lets his heart condition define him. He continues to amaze us every single day.
He is our miracle. He is our warrior. He is our hero.
Every 15 minutes in the United States, a baby is born with a congenital heart defect, making CHDs the most common birth defect in our country. For three decades, CHF has been the driving force behind the treatments and surgical advances that have transformed survival rates and given countless children with CHD the chance to thrive.
The Congenital Heart Walk is dedicated to making this impact continue. Our mission is clear—we aim to raise funds to support The Children's Heart Foundation's quest to advance the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of CHDs by funding groundbreaking research that improves outcomes, reduces complications, and helps Heart Warriors live longer, healthier lives.
We invite you to join our team in honoring this legacy. By supporting our team or walking with us, you're contributing to research that can save and enhance the lives of infants born with CHDs, as well as children and adults living with these conditions. Together, we're part of a 30-year story of hope—and we're writing the next chapter. Your support makes a significant impact, and for that, we want to say a heartfelt thank you.
Will you join us in making a real difference? Please consider supporting our team or walking with us. Every step we take together celebrates how far we've come and funds the miracles still ahead.