My daughter, Kylie, was born with an atrial septal valve defect. She had three holes in her heart and her tricuspid and mitral valve leaked. She underwent open heart surgery a few weeks after her first birthday. The surgeon repaired the hole by putting a patch over it, but they decided not to repair her valves since she was just a baby and still growing. 

Now, 18 years later she is just fine. She is able to live a normal life. She has no more restrictions and now only has to go to the cardiologist every two years. Her valves still leak to this day, but her doctor is not concerned and she should be able to live a normal, healthy life with them leaking. 

I can vividly remember the moment we had to hand Kylie off to the doctor's before her surgery.  I can remember the doors closing behind them and the feeling of uncertainty that filled me.  It was definitely one of the scariest moments of my life. I am thankful for all of the people involved who helped us through those difficult times, and for the doctors who fixed my little girl's heart.

I want to say thank you for taking the time to read my daughter's story and visiting my page. I am looking forward to making a difference and participating in the heart walk this year.  Please consider a donation to help others going through those difficult times.