Chicago Congenital Heart Walk

BABY SAMMY'S STORY

On Sunday October 15th, 2017 we met our first born son, Saverio Francesco Perri, Jr., 7 Ibs. 15oz. at

10:18am. After a beautifully healthy pregnancy and birthing experience, we were completely blindsided by the devastating news that our little Sammy was born with a Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) called Dextro-Transposition of the Great Arteries or (d-TGA).

Ultrasounds never detected this, and our doctors had no idea, so we inevitably had no clue what was coming our way.

After the necessary tests were done following Sammy's birth, the doctors notified us that our baby would need immediate surgery, but was fighting to remain strong enough to be transported to a hospital equipped to perform his heart surgery.

With d-TGA, the two main arteries carrying blood out of the heart are switched. Oxygen-poor blood from the body enters the right side of the heart. But, instead of going to the lungs, the blood is pumped directly back out to the rest of the body through the aorta.

Oxygen-rich blood from the lungs entering the heart is pumped straight back to the lungs through the main pulmonary artery.

Our son fought extremely hard, but after many hours of fighting, he couldn't fight anymore. Sammy will forever remain in our hearts and he will forever be our little angel looking down upon our entire family.

1 in 3,300 babies born in the U.S are affected with this particular CHD. By raising awareness, especially for early detection, we can help others born with CHD to have a fighting chance to live a long healthy life. Our Heart Angels Memory and Spirit lives on, and in his name we want to contribute to the mission of CHF and to create and spread awareness for CHD.

Our commitment to making a difference led us to participate in the Congenital Heart Walk, an event that carries immense significance for our family. It's not just a walk; it's a stride toward changing lives. This endeavor is all about supporting The Children's Heart Foundation and their crucial mission - advancing the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of congenital heart defects through groundbreaking research.

We warmly invite you to become a part of this significant journey by supporting our fundraising efforts. Together, we can raise the funds essential to drive forward life-saving research. Your contribution holds immeasurable value to us.

Thank you for your generosity, and for standing beside us in this mission. Your support means the world.