I’ve known Sevastian for years — long before either of us could have imagined that one day I’d be walking alongside his family in support of his son.

Our friendship started through work, but it grew far beyond work. Over the years, I’ve watched Sevastian’s life change in some meaningful ways. I was there through the conversations before he and Deepti got married, as they built their life together, and later as they became parents.

And through all those years, Deepti became part of the story too. I got to know her through the conversations, the jokes, the everyday stories, and the milestones that Sevastian and I shared over the years. So when their family entered a journey no parent expects, it felt personal.

When Jayan was born, he faced serious congenital heart challenges and underwent major procedures very early in his life. I remember Sevastian talking with me about the road ahead and what he and Deepti were facing as parents.

That’s why hearing him today talk about Jayan running around, growing, enjoying life, and being a two-year-old who loves the color red means something completely different.

On October 3, I’m walking with Jayan’s Super-Heart Heroes at the Atlanta Congenital Heart Walk.

I’m showing up because this is personal. Sevastian is more than someone I used to work with. He’s a longtime friend — someone I consider a brother — and over the years I’ve had the privilege of watching both him and Deepti build their family and walk through this journey together.

I’m also walking in support of The Children’s Heart Foundation and the research that helps give children born with congenital heart defects more opportunities to grow, play, and experience life.

If you’d like to support the walk, any contribution is appreciated. Whether you donate, share this page, or simply keep Jayan and other children and families facing congenital heart disease in your thoughts and prayers, thank you.

This one is for Jayan, for Sevastian and Deepti, and for every family walking a similar road.